Tag Archives: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Prediction: The Patriots Will Be Great Against the Pass

There are few things more satisfying than watching A-Rod serve hungry Boston fans Wahlburgers because he lost a bet. Watching a hyper-focused and well-oiled Patriots secondary shutting down a passing attack is one of those things.

While the New England Patriots were preparing their game plans for the Houston Texans, I’m sure they approached it as another game. Prepare, watch video, practice, evaluate and repeat over and over again. Don’t leave anything to chance and allow for the unexpected. More unexpected than the entire Boston Globe sports staff choosing the Houston Texans to win? Smack my head.

What We Learned

In the end the end the preparations were over-preparing. A healthy Deshaun Watson came into Foxborough and accounted for almost 350 total yards and two TDs. Coming within an epic Brady comeback drive and a Cooks toe-tapping touchdown of winning the contest. Riding a wave of feel-good emotions would do the sophomore quarterback some good as he returned to the site of battle. Those positives vibes were for naught. He rushed for nearly the same yards but accounted for over 125 less air yards. Watching the game unfold I was stuck with one thought, “This secondary looks damn good!”

What We Know

Let’s look at the differences from the unit that allowed Foles to throw three TDs and 373 yards en route to a Super Bowl MVB (Most Valuable Backup) in February. Starters Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe were still the same. Malcolm Butler of Super Bowls past was in Belichick’s doghouse and played one snap prior to leaving in free agency for Nashville to join the Elvis Patriots. Devin McCourty was the same defensive mainstay that he has been for a number of years. Jason joined the crew in the offseason too.

And here are the important things: Jordan Richards – Gone, Johnson Bademosi – Gone. Both of them gave up key catches that sustained drives when the team needed just one stop. In their place, Jon Jones was becoming a quality slot corner and backup. A bevy of late round draft picks that forced out 2nd round pick Cyrus Jones. An improved pass rush and new defensive play caller, Brian Flores, would help apply pressure that helps the coverage guys immensely.

The Crew

What is the best way to use a group as talented as this? The coaching staff of the Patriots will put them in the best position to succeed. And based upon experience, scheme and physical attributes it may go something like this. Stephon Gilmore is the classic man coverage, shutdown corner. A long and lean six foot one inch and just over 200 pound. Quick, and instinctual he has shown to be worth every penny of his massive free agent contract. Eric Rowe is just as tall as Gilmore but a little heavier and not quite as explosive. He does bring some big slot coverage that is nice for his versatility. JC Jackson is your next big cornerback. He’s a little lighter, but just as exciting and will grow into his role. A good special teamers, he brings a lot for an undrafted free agent.

The next tier are the shorter, lighter cornerbacks. Jonathan Jones seems to be the third option at cornerback and is primarily used inside. The Super Bowl drama would have been reduced if Jones did not suffer the season ending injury against Jacksonville. Keion Cross is a rookie this season and was an inactive on Sunday and barring injuries this will probably he his role all season.

The unique thing about the Patriots secondary is the role of the safeties. The McCourty twins are converted corners. When the defense’s backs get pushed against the wall, Devin’s job changes to primarily covering a receiver. Duron Harmon plays a lot of deep and cover 2 safeties. Jason McCourty is still learning his new position and offers some depth for the corners. Patrick Chung is the only true strong safety and does well with covering pass catchers near the line of scrimmage.

Super Bowl Bound

What does all that mean? Bill Belichick can play chess while much of the league is playing checkers. When you want to change your game plan from week to week in order to exploit an opponent’s weakness, you need versatility and layers. This years cornerback crew offers that. Big outside wide receivers, shifty slot guys, and speedsters up the fieldall need a different plan. The defensive backs that are on the team offer a blueprint for success that ends with hoisting a trophy in Atlanta!

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

Be sure to check out other great articles for all your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com

Follow me on Twitter @ALykins32

James White’s Sweet Feet For Strikes

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These Guys Don’t Take Days Off

David Andrews arrives

A day after a Patriots win, James white hosted ‘Sweet Feet For Strikes’ formerly known as The Mayo Bowl.

Jerod Mayo passed the torch to James White last year, last night being the 9th annual celebrity bowling tournament to benefit Boston Medical Center. As usual, this great fundraiser had a lot of support from Patriots players. Current and former players were walking the red carpet. Jerod Mayo, David Andrews, Eric Rowe, Sony Michel, Stephon Gilmore, Phillip Dorsett, Kyle Van Noy, Geneo Grissom, Scott Zolak, Matt Chatham were the football stars. Along with New England Revolution star, Scott Coldwell, and former Boston Bruins star Andrew Raycroft.

Sweet Feet for Strikes kicks Off

Once eveyone got in from the rain, James White wanted to get on stage to give a few words. “Boston Medical Center has a great motto, exceptional care without exception, and it’s just a great motto, because it really speaks to how the service is there.” White continued, “every time I visit you can just tell how they truly care about the patients, it’s like they treat them like family, and that’s what you want.” “Because these kids are in dire need, and for us and a lot of my teammates that are back here, we try and do as much as we can to help those who are less fortunate than us, we do as much as we can.”

Sweet Feet for Strikes is a Fun charity for a wonderful cause. Which before last night has raised $2.3 million for Boston Medical Center.

James White aka “Sweet Feet” on the football field is also an avid bowler. His wife Diana Civitello attested to James’s skills. Rookie Running Back Sony Michel introduced carrying his own shoes to the event.

Sony Michel having fun

Last Nights Sweet Feet for Strikes Brought in a lot of players-All having fun at the Auction to Raise more Money

Red carpet

All the Proceeds from the event go to Boston Medical Center. Sweet Feet for Strikes was held last night at Kings Dining and Entertainment in Dedham. Blue Sky Sports and Entertainment was a partner to this great event. In 2017 Sweet Feet for Strikes raised over $400,000.00, This year was a great turnout again. From everyone at Boston Sports Extra we would like to thank James White, and everyone involved, for doing such a great job last night. Boston Medical Center does a great job every day, so a big thank you to BMC as well

A couple more photos from all the fun!

Kyle Van Noy

Red carpet

Those Pesky Gronk Rumors Explained

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The Value of a Rumor in the NFL

As we head into the beginning of the NFL season news broke that star tight end Rob Gronkowski attempted to discourage the New England Patriots from trading him. On the surface and out of context this would seem to play into the big bad, evil image of Bill Belichick. The problem with rumors in the football world is that they come out in dribs and drabs. The Gronk rumors appear to come out of the end of a long offseason drama series. And the Patriots attempted to nail down what his plans were for the upcoming season. Let’s take a look at each rumor in chronological order and see if the entire picture makes anymore sense.

Rumor #1: After the Super Bowl loss Rob Gronkowski contemplated retirement.

This is understandable looking back. He was coming off serious back surgery that ended his 2016 season. Gronk injured his groin in Week 2 that no doubt lingered for multiple weeks. The frustration over penalties culminated in the body slamming incident of Bill’s cornerback White. His suspension in Week 14 was an unpleasant punishment. Then the normal aches and pains that an NFL player goes through each week in order to suit up. And a concussion in the AFC Championship game. Reaching the Super Bowl and playing a spectacular game only to fall in the end. Elite athletes that put it all on the line to achieve their ultimate goal understandably suffer a severe letdown in the immediate aftermath.

Rumor #2: Rob Gronkowski was angling for a new deal.

Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the NFL. Full Stop. His contract is not paying him like that. The team and the player have been locked in negotiations for several years to come up with inventive solutions to rectify this. The team of course could cave and give Gronk’s camp everything they want and be completely unprotected and set a dangerous precedent. They don’t do this for anyone. They will continue to be tough negotiators in order to get the best deals for the team. A little sweetener, such as what he received after training camp was nearly done may have headed this off, or it may have not.

Rumor #3: Patriots quietly attempted to trade Gronk heading into the draft.

The bizarre press conference in late April with Gronkowski appearing in dirt bike uniform, standing at a podium talking about his biking skills. Rumors of a wrestling career, acting career and no clear statement from the tight end that he was preparing for a 2018 season came to a head. Belichick clearly believes in attempting to get the most value out of an asset if it’s good for the team. The antics of the player may have been wearing on the front office. And prompted them to reach out to some organizations in order to gauge interest and prices. According to news reports, the 49ers, Lions and Titans were all involved. This make sense as they either have ties to the Patriots or have been recently been involved in quiet deals.

Rumor #4: Gronk makes his announcement.

Then the news that broke on Sunday just prior to the 2018 season that Gronk “protested strongly” any potential trade. This was accompanied by a powwow between the player, his agent and Patriots brass. Then on April 24th Gronkowski posted on his Instagram feed that he was coming back to the Patriots for the 2018 season. I’m sure the details regarding his involvement were all worked out ahead of time. Including his absences from voluntary team practices and his attendance at the mandatory ones. The result was that after a full participation in training camp and a healthy mindset, they inked a new set of incentives designed to give him up to a potential $4+ million dollars more.

Rumors and reports floating around breaking at different times during the offseason. Many times weeks or months after the actual events, it creates confusion. What is clear is that the franchise cornerstone is healthy, and ready to go. I’m sure there may be more rumors and hearsays in the months following another successful season. Just remember that these are business people and adults that all have a common goals. I’m going to ignore any more rumors and look to great games this season and a hopeful sixth championship at the end.

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

Be sure to check out other great articles for all your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com

Follow me on Twitter @ALykins32

What Have We Learned from the Patriots’ Preseason?

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The Pats are always expected to make it to the “Big Game”—and this year is no exception.

The Patriots’ training camp began on July 26. Everything we’ve learned since then, including the four summer matchups, has given us certain insights into what we can expect for the coming year. Here are a few of our observations and predictions.

Tom Brady remains the NFL’s living legend.

Brady is all good…

Even at the age of 41, the team’s MVP quarterback seems to be in good form, which is an absolute necessity if the Patriots want to maximize their chances of reaching the Super Bowl again this season. The Pats’ second preseason game was a rematch of last year’s championship face-off against the Philadelphia Eagles. Brady shepherded his team towards a definitive 37-20 win, and he looked great doing so. As Brady has gotten on in years, a primary concern has been the inevitable deterioration of his passing strength. But his preseason performances made it clear that he can still whip the pigskin like a rocket when he has to. Brady also had a decent performance in New England’s strange matchup against the Panthers.

… and so is the offensive line

For the third season in a row, Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason, and David Andrews will start on the interior. Trent Brown will hold the left tackle position that he dominated during training camp. After missing out on most days of camp, right tackle Marcus Cannon has finally returned to practice. Because the team has lost first-round pick Isaiah Wynn for the entire season due to a torn Achilles, tackle depth has become the only open issue. However, LaAdrian Waddle is a suitable substitute, in case Cannon is required to sit out a few games.

The Patriots’ top picks will fail to deliver

Ever since 2014 and Dominique Easley, New England has failed to receive the benefit of its bargain from its top-pick players, and it seems that this will once again be the case this season. Adding insult to injury (pun intended) to the loss of Wynn, first-rounder Sony Michel participated in only three padded practices in August, and second-round cornerback Duke Dawson is likely to start the season on the injured reserve list. Furthermore, at the time of writing, Cyrus Jones—the second-round pick in 2016—is expected to be cut imminently.

Who will return punts for the Pats?

Let’s face it, New England needs a punt returner. Danny Amendola left to join Miami’s squad. And, regardless of how good he is at returning kickoffs, Cordarelle Patterson has never fielded punts at the pro level. As such, no one from the current roster seems to stand out as the “go-to” punt returner.

Julian Edelman is one possibility, but remember that he’s not only been suspended for the first four games, but will also be returning in the fifth week as a 32-year-old player who has just had major knee surgery. The end result is that New England is forced to keep certain players solely for the purpose of having a punt returner—for example, cornerback Cyrus Jones and receiver Riley McCarron, who shared this duty over the summer.

The team’s 15-year UDFA streak will continue with J.C. Jackson

Rookie cornerback J.C. Jackson is the team’s only hope for adding an undrafted rookie to the roster for the 15^th straight year. Jackson finished the preseason game against the Giants with two interceptions of deep passes from Kyle Lauletta, which earned him a congratulatory handshake from Coach Belichick. It’s fair to say that Jackson was the most productive playmaker in the secondary throughout the preseason.

The Pats will start the season employing “running-back-by-committee”

Because of both outside need and injuries, New England will begin the season with a slate of players to fill the running back position, and they might have to do so for the entire year. To compensate for their lack of depth in wide receivers, the Pats will use more two-back sets, but their top candidate to play all three downs (Sony Michel) is a rookie who just missed most of training camp.

Furthermore, Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead are in bad shape, and Brandon Bolden is mainly a special teams player. They can put James White to work, but not on every down. Mike Gillislee and Jeremy Hill could also possibly make it into the rotation.

Rob Gronkowski will be a Patriot as long as Tom Brady is quarterback

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Rob Gronkowski getting money added to his contract

Rob Gronkowski’s new deal is a lot like Brady’s. It’s all performance based for the tight end. The Patriots added $4.3 million to his contract this season. It gives him $1 million per game and $3.3 million in incentives. The total amount of his deal is now $13.05 million according to Adam Schefter. Gronkowski has been seeking a new contract since the start of training camp last season. He was also contemplating retirement in the offseason. Once he found out Tom Brady was coming back and he got a talking too by Bill Belichick he was a full go for the 2018 season.

Gronkowski wants to win championships but he also wants his money too. As Danny Amendola said- the Patriots aren’t known for playing their players. But if you want to win New England is the place to be. Like Brady, Gronkowski’s contract had no years added. Gronkowski is year to year. However, Brady’s contract is up at the end of the 2019 season. If Brady walks at the end of his contract you might see Gronkowski either retire or play somewhere else. Gronkowski’s contract is also up at the end of the 2019 season. Gronkowski will be 30 by the end of the season. The tight end wants to be on a winning team with a great quarterback, and with the Patriots he can get both.

Health is key

If he meets all the incentives he will become the highest paid tight end in the NFL. Gronkowski deserves it but he has to stay on the field. Gronkowski is so injury prone but the team really needs him healthy for the entirety of the season. If he remains on the field he’ll make the money. Same goes for Brady if he plays at a high level. With Brady skipping the offseason voluntary workouts the Patriots were questioning his commitment to the team. We could be seeing a completely different team in 2020.

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.

Robert Kraft should be in Canton

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And now, it is with my great pleasure, that I intend to nominate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame – Robert Kraft!! The owner of the New England Patriots is more than worthy of a bronze bust in the hallowed halls of Canton. It is imperative that we campaign for this fine individual to receive his due. If there has been one individual responsible for creating the greatest dynasty in football history it has been this humble, generous, and likeable owner. Robert Kraft is one of the finest owners and executives in the NFL. It is difficult to fathom why he has not received more support for this. What follows is a journey through his life as the pivotal player in a franchise’s and sport’s success.

As a Fan

When a city loses a major sport franchise it is a disruptive and painful process. The region loses a common emotional denominator. The area loses a driving economic force and the team loses its identity and a portion of its identity and history.

Watching the recent process of this play out in the Rams, Thrashers and Expos. The relocation battles of the Raiders and the Columbus crew. Seeing the shocking moves of the Baltimore Colts and the Cleveland Browns can leave a fan base angry and hurt. Even if there is a reconciliation and the team stays, it can ill will for years to come. If there is something you can say about Robert Kraft. He is the ultimate fan. And was willing to do what it took to keep them in New England.

In 1971 he began his association with the Patriots with something that hundreds of fans do. He became a season ticket holder. When the team was playing he was in the same stands, eating and drinking the same food and cheering for the same players as everyone of us. In 1987 after an unsuccessful bid to purchase the team he instead chose to buy the Foxboro Raceways right next door. This ensured that he would be involved in the team’s future stadium decisions.

And involved he was. When the stadium was used as collateral for a Jackson 5 tour and subsequently place in bankruptcy Kraft stepped in. His ownership of the stadium and the lease was essential in preventing a move to Jacksonville.

Then in 1994 he refused to allow James Orthwein to break the lease in an attempt to move the team to St. Louis. Finally Kraft was able to complete the purchase and officially became the owner of the franchise.

As an Owner and Executive

One of the greatest sins a NFL owner can do is presume to know more about how to out a winning football team on the field than coaches and scouts. There are other considerations when running a franchise. Salary cap, marketing, cash flow for multi-million dollar salaries and television contracts that are important factors in the business. Many owners that have strayed from these areas and attempted to dive into the day-to-day runnings of the team have been met with frustrating failures. An inability to win football games and championships can hurt a brand far more than an incorrect marketing scheme.

When Kraft took over the Patriots he believed in allowing football people to run football teams. And it’s returned dividends on his investment beyond anyone’s imagination. When he took over the team, it’s 34 year win total was 229 including playoffs and a loss in Super Bowl XX. And in the 24 seasons that he’s owned the team they have tallied 294 victories and 9 more Super Bowl appearances with 5 Championships. He’s truly done what he set out to do when he purchased the franchise.

“My objective in buying the Patriots is to help bring a championship to New England.”
-ROBERT KRAFT, JAN. 21, 1994

As an Ambassador of the Sport

The NFL has a colorful cadre of characters in it’s ownership. Al Davis and his resistance of the league. Brash Jerry Jones’ Texas confidence and Jerry’s World opulence. And then it has it’s royalty and statesman. The Rooney family and the Mara family have all been a standard to learn from and emulate. Robert Kraft has joined those ranks and then some during his tenure as owner of the franchise.

Whether it’s been attempting to negotiate labor peace in the face of personal tragedy. Or promoting the sport abroad with the opening of the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Israel. And the countless charities that he personally and through the Patriots Foundation supports.

In New England we hear all of the little stories that have a big impact on people’s lives but may get lost in the shuffle of the world stage of Super Bowl victories. Replacing stolen wheelchairs for fan’s, providing experiences for ill children and honoring his late wife’s memory through the Women’s Association. If there is anyone worthy of being a face of the NFL it should be this man and his legacy will impact the sport for generations.

Get Him Now!

The path to a bronze bust and a gold jacket is difficult for players. The path for contributors is even more so. Many worthy candidates are forced to wait years before being considered and every inductee is honored and welcomed. The sport would be greatly benefited by having this pillar of it’s community enshrined while he is still active and engaged in the NFL’s well-being. The sad story of the posthumous honoring of Ralph Wilson and Art Rooney should never be repeated. If Jerry Jones’ can be inducted to football’s highest honor while he is still striving to direct the Dallas Cowboys to victories then the Hall of Fame voters should ensure that Robert Kraft is inducted as well.

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

Be sure to check out other great articles for all your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com

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Patriots Lose In Third Preseason Game

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While some players looked good, the Panthers cruised by the Patriots for a 25-14 win during the third week of preseason.

The Carolina Panthers were in control throughout the entire game, on both sides of the ball. Luke Kuechly recorded 7 tackles in the first half alone, helping to limit the somewhat Patriot offense to 3 first half points. Cam Newton looked solid completing 11 for 17 passes and throwing for 142 yards. Garrett Gilbert completed 5 for 9 passes for a mere 46 yards and a touchdown.

Tom Brady looked like his usual midseason form completing 12 for 18 passes and 102 yards. Brian Hoyer completed 16 for 24 passes and 109 yards. The run game did not look stunning. Mike Gillislee had 10 rushing attempts for 35 yards with a long of 15.Jeremy Hill didn’t shine tonight rushing for 9 attempts with only 25 yards to show for it. His longest run was 7 yards.

Riley McCarron showed up to play tonight, catching 4 of his 5 targets, hauling in 49 receiving yards. Devin Lucien missed his only target of the contest, recording no stats tonight. With the depleting wide receiver core getting smaller, there is little room for mistakes in making the final roster.

Although the game didn’t end in a victory The team held in there. After the game, head coach Bill Belichick was his usual self after a loss, quiet, focused on the practices and game ahead, while also congratulating Coach Rivera and company on a game well played.

Jason McCourty got some reps in at safety during the game. After expressing his interest in playing the position last year as a member of the Cleveland Browns. The new Patriot and twin brother of longtime team member Devin McCourty should be a dangerous conerback/safety mix this season.

How these performances will translate towards final cuts will soon be determined. Keep it here on Bostonsportsextra.com for all your latest patriots news and rumors before the season starts!

Tom Brady Speaks About the Haters Across the Country

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Tom Brady knows what’s going on. He sees and here’s things like the rest of us. He realizes how many haters he has.

TOM BRADY TALKS ABOUT THE HATERS ON WEEI’s MORNING SHOW

Where’s the love?

When Tom Brady joined “Kirk and Callahan” on WEEI Tuesday, the MVP admitted that haters and criticism come with the job. Brady had a unique thought as to why he and his team have so many haters, and it’s the sport he plays. Brady goes on explaining why…

”I think it’s a different part about football for example, in America I mean, we never…if you look at a lot of other sports around the world, at some point maybe you get to represent your country. Like watching the World Cup in the summer. I see all these soccer players playing for different clubs but then come together for their country at some point”

Brady continues by adding “In America, we never get a chance to do that. So many Americans that live in other parts of the country, they don’t like the Patriots. They don’t like me, and I can understand that. I mean, I was a 49ers fan at one point. They want to see their team win, and when they dont, I think they’ve got to direct that frustration somewhere else. When you’ve been so successful like our like our team has been, I think frustration gets directed at us, and thats just part of it and you have to understand what you’re getting into”

BRADY’S THEORY IS VERY TRUE

As Tom said, the NFL is much different than other American sports. NFL players don’t team up to go play other countries. So fans of 31 other teams have no interest or reason to root for individual Patriot players.

NBA fans have the Olympics, the MLB has the WBC and MLS has the World Cup. He makes a good point.

Brady is such a polarizing person, people either love him or hate him. He realizes this comes with the territory, and I think he embraces it. He relishes the fact he has haters and media members talking about cliffs. It just drives him even harder to win.

New England Patriots’ Tom Brady raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Who Will Make the Cut at Running Back

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Which Running Backs Will Make The Team

It’s no secret the New England Patriots have lots of running backs at the moment. Injuries have plagued the position early on. Newly drafted Sony Michel has a knee injury. According to Jeff Howe of the Athletic Michel had his knee drained earlier this month due to a tear in his meniscus. Running back Rex Burkhead is also dealing with a slight tear in his knee but according to Howe it’s a minor injury and nothing serious. James White seems to be Tom Brady’s go-to guy as we saw on Thursday night against the Eagles. Fighting for a roster spot on the Patriots is running back Mike Gillislee who had 383 yards last season and 5 touchdowns.

Rex Burkhead was initially on the practice field Sunday afternoon but would go to the lower field with teammates on the physically unable to perform list. Rex Burkhead has not taken a preseason snap yet. Rookie running back Sony Michel was a no show in practice yesterday. Undrafted free agent Ralph Webb made a good impression in the first preseason game this season. Bill Belichick had this to say after the game against Washington:

“It’s what he was like at Vanderbilt: he ran hard, he’s tough. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s got good strength for his size and he runs hard. … He’s a tough kid, runs with good pad level. Webb’s got good speed, catches the ball well. Made a nice catch on the two-point play. It was a low ball, made a good adjustment on the catch and got it in.”

My Predictions

In my opinion, I think the following running backs make the team.

James White. He had 429 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also is Brady’s most trusted running back on the team.
Rex Burkhead. He had 264 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Ralph Webb. He’s had a decent preseason and Belichick seems to like him.
Sony Michel singed a rookie contract and has the potential to be the next Dion Lewis.

That leaves Mike Gillislee not making the roster for the upcoming season. Last season Gillislee finished the season with 104 carries for 334 yards. Gillislee appeared in just one of the team’s final eleven games last season. He would injure his knee in that game and miss the entirety of the postseason.

The second running back who will be cut is Jeremy Hill. Hill never found the end zone and only had 116 rushing yards last season. The Patriots will carry four running backs on the roster heading into the season.