Tag Archives: #NFL #NewEngland

AFC East Update

Leave a reply

When it comes to a formula for achieving the success that the New England Patriots have, it goes like this. Be disciplined and professional. Control all the details that could possibly matter in deciding games. Above all, strive to win the games in your division, then your conference, then the others. They’ll say that each game is just the next one and that they are all equally important. But we know that the games against divisional rivals carry a little extra hot sauce and can mean the difference between winning a title or fighting for a wild card spot.

Since the 2003 season when the divisions realigned the Patriots are 26-4 against the Bills, 21-9 against the Dolphins and 24-6 against the Jets. That translates to a .789 win percentage (71-19). Divided among all the seasons they are averaging nearly 4.75 wins every year out of six total divisional games. How do they do it? By knowing their opponents. You have to know them to beat them. Control all the things that can help win you games, right? So we dive into some of the changes that each of these squads underwent from the last time you saw them and how they have fared in the preseason. When the Patriots see them on the field you will have all the information that you need in order to root your team on for their sixth ring.

Miami Dolphins

 

The Dolphins underwent a season of change after Head Coach Adam Gase’s sophomore season. I’m sure that Patriots players are glad to see Jarvis Landry and Ndamukong Suh gone. An offensive line shuffle that Mike Pouncey leave and Josh Sitton come in. Patriots fan favorite Danny Amendola joined the aquatic mammals along with the league non-kicker old man – Frank Gore. The Dolphins drafted DB Minkah Fitzpatrick and TE Mike Gesicki with their first two picks and Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is back throwing the ball for the 2018 season.

Preseason

The 2018 preseason has gone, uh, not good. Three close losses against the Buccaneers, Panthers and Ravens have fans wondering if they are going to be any good this season. Despite their struggles on 3rd downs they have scored 24, 20, and 10 points in each game. Unfortunately, their opponents have been better and according to my in-depth analysis, have been scoring more points. This team feels like it’s struggling to find its identity. Perhaps too much flux happened in the offseason?

Outlook

The fish squashing in New England happens on September 30th. The Patriots will get a mini-vacation in the Miami sun on December 9th. Despite the historical record the Dolphins have a weird hex on the Patriots. Miami has split the season series in 3 out of the last 5 seasons and last made the playoffs in the 2016 season. There is most certainly a small fire being lit under Tannehill and Gase without greater success this year.

Buffalo Bills

 

In case you don’t live near the football Mecca of Buffalo, NY; they are quite pleased with themselves. Ending a playoff drought of 17 seasons and getting that monkey off your back will do that to you. Unfortunately, they also fell victim to a snoozer loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the playoffs. Still, you have some success, keep the core in place for your second year head coach and make some incremental changes for improvements next season, right? Not these guys! Wholesale changes! BUY, SELL, TRADE! EVERYTHING MUST GO!! Tyrod Taylor – GONE! Cordy Glenn – GONE! Throw in some Jordan Matthews, Richie Incognito and Preston Brown and you got yourself a DEAL!

Others of note that are no longer on the team include: E.J. Gaines, Eric Wood, and Mike Tolbert. This is a tremendous amount of turnover. Fortunately, they brought in many more players to begin the job of rebuilding. A.J. McCarron, Chris Ivory, Star Lotulelei, Vontae Davis will all get a chance to make a name for themselves under second year head coach Sean McDermott. Joining valuable draft picks Tremaine Edmunds and the polarizing Josh Allen, they may form a core that will be the team that the coaching staff wants.

Preseason

Beating the Browns and losing to the Panthers and Bengals should do nothing but provide you with optimism heading into the regular season. Yet, it seems that there is growing dread for the fans of this team. The team was riding high following the skills competition that Josh Allen put on in week 2 after an injury knocked out veteran starter McCarron. He seemed poised to seize the job in the dress rehearsal of week 3. It went poorly. The offensive line was a sieve. The quarterback looked slow and harassed. The team looked nothing like a squad ready to take it to the next level and challenge the incumbency for glory.

Outlook

The Patriots make a Halloween weekend trip to Buffalo for some tricks and treats on October 28th. The Bills travel to snowy New England for some playoff gifts on December 23rd. This could get ugly this season. If the new personnel and coaching do not coalesce into a cohesive unit they could be in line for a bad campaign. In the last 6 seasons the Bills have 2 victories against the Patriots, including a week 18 meaningless win in Foxboro when New England had already secured their playoff spot.

NY Jets

 

Who starts for the Gangrenes? Veteran signal caller with magnificent hair in Josh McCown? My Boy, Teddy B, trying to regain his shine following his freak and horrific knee injury after nearly 2 years? Or the young upstart apprentice in the hair game in Sam Darnold? The head coach Todd Bowles has some decisions to make. Mike Maccagnan also had some decisions to make in the offseason when he JETtisoned (see what I did there?) Demario Davis, Muhammad Wilkerson and Kony Ealy in favor of some new energy in Isaiah Crowell, Terrelle Pryor and Trumaine Johnson among many others. Will it come together for this team in 2018?

Preseason

Weeeellll, it might? And while the coaching staff has to be encouraged by the growth of Darnold and the resilience of Bridgewater, they have gone 1-2 so far in the preseason. There might just not be enough on offense to improve the scoring output of 17, 15, and 16 points. A win against the Falcons sans their talent, and losses against Washington and cross-stadium rivals the Giants didn’t help their case. These games have the fans hoping for some quick improvements once the contests matter.

Outlook

The Patriots look to work off all that turkey by beating the stuffing out of the Jets on November 25th in New Jersey. And the Jets may be clamoring for a playoff spot on the final week of the regular season in Foxboro. It would be fitting if the Patriots were in the position to not rest their starters and deny this team a playoff spot with an easy win. The Patriots generally have good success against this team in the regular season as they have lost just twice in the last seven seasons. This followed the playoff loss to the Rex Ryan squad led by Mark Sanchez. The Patriots will look to continue the success against whoever the jets have slinging the ball in 2018.

Finishing Them Off

There you have it. The Patriot’s divisional opponents for the 2018 season. I believe it was Sun Tzu who once said, “In order to secure your playoff spot, you must beat your divisional opponents” (Probably). The New England Patriots have been death of dreams and destroyers of worlds for fans with championship aspirations in the division and I hope they continue that for the 2018 season.

 

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
https://mobile.twitter.com/alykins32

 

Tom Brady Speaks About the Haters Across the Country

Leave a reply

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

Brady

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)

 

Alex Guerrero Back on Board

Leave a reply

ALEX GUERRERO BACK IN BILL’S CIRCLE OF TRUST?

Alex Guerrero has boarded the Patriot’s plane for the team’s first road game to Carolina. This is quite a change from last year, which begs the question-what happened to allow Alex back in the mix?

Alex Guerrero on the sideline

Alex Guerrero looks on from the sideline, Courtesy of The Boston Globe

Last year, Alex Guerrero became a distraction in the Patriot’s locker room. He started to undermind the trainers and team physicians.

 Guerrero was telling players that lifting weights and doing squats were a waste of time. He often spoke against the way the team’s trainers were handling and preventing injuries. Bill Belichick had seen enough, leading to Guerrero losing access to the locker room.

ALEX GUERRERO BACK IS A GOOD SIGN

Courtesy of (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)

After Alex Guerrero lost his locker room and sideline access in 2017, Brady made it clear he wasn’t happy. This summer he’s been around the building and at training camp much more. He is working his way back into the mix slowly but surely.

Brady’s contract was made out to be a huge issue for a number of reasons. The glaring focal point was the incentives. As Pats fans know, Tom has never stressed the money. He wants respect, appreciation and Alex Guerrero.

Tom knows that being the top paid QB won’t help his chances at a sixth ring. He does however know that Alex has helped keep him at the top of his game. I believe that Kraft, Belichick, and Brady worked Guerrero into his new contract.

Guerrero flew with the team to Carolina, but don’t expect to see him on the sidelines tomorrow. Bill’s taking baby steps.

 

Rookie Jersey Number Prognostication: Part 2

Leave a reply

This is the epic conclusion to the rookie jersey number prognostication. If you missed the first part you can find it here: https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2018/08/rookie-number-prognostication-part-1

 

Picking a jersey number is a very important decision in a rookies’ young career. It can mean the difference between Hall of Fame worthy statistics and retiring after only a few years. Below are the Rookie numbers that the latter half of the New England Patriots’ 2018 rookie class chose and how the previous wearer’s career unfolded. Based on the history of the number you can easily see how this will go. So read on and you can forget about any other analysis!

 

Keion Crossen — No. 35

This number is a veritable who’s who of one hit wonders on the Patriots with a single exception. “Big Jim” Nance wore this number proudly as a hard hitting fullback in the 60’s. Since then it has been filled with running backs that can now be served as answers to trivia questions. Tyler Gaffney, Jonas Gray, Patrick Pass, and Mike Gillislee all wore this number. Even a special teams safety by the name of Ross Ventrone wore it.

 

Greatness Verdict: He’s got a shot. Given the age and different position of the last great player who wore this number it’s ready for a hero. Crossen could be the guy that ushers in a new age for the No. 34.

 

Duke Dawson — No. 42

 

Can former players’ personalities and attributes live on in their numbers? I think so. Ronnie Lippett, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Mack Herron, and Don Webb. Each wore this number and I’m pretty sure that they are all in the Pat’s dictionary under the word “Grit.” Whether its picking off Dan Marino, being an undersized returner scoring touchdowns or having a cool nickname like “Law Firm.” This number has some star power.

 

Greatness Verdict: Not Great but close. There is no way that he can’t be a gritty, hard-nosed slot DB while wearing this number. I’m pretty sure he was born holding a lunch pail. I can’t wait for him to grab a roster spot with both hands and keep it for the better part of a decade.


Christian Sam — No. 44

 

If you’re number 44 for the Patriots you’ve got to have a fantastic name, or at the very least a good name. John Outlaw might be the best name for a DB to have hands down. He would’ve rivaled Deion Sanders had he played in a different day and age. It’s a shame he played his best football as a member of the Eagles starting in ‘73. And there are a load of other good names; White Graves, James Idhegibo, Asante Cleveland, The Don Calhoun and even a Heath Evans. I’m not sure if Christian Sam is going to cut it.

 

Greatness Verdict: Our second “Not wearing this number.” I like his future but clearly the stars are against him on this one. Not only does the number not have a personality identity, but it also needs a good name for it. Switch it quick!


Ja’Whaun Bentley — No. 51

 

This number is fascinating.  A mix of the pious and the illegal. Don Davis the current New England Patriots chaplain vs. Eugene Lockhart who served 3 years for federal fraud charges. Off the field “star” power and on the field star power. Bob Golic of Saved by the Bell: the College years and a member of the ESPN Golics, and Jerod Mayo, a stalwart captain of the defense for the Patriots.

 

Greatness Verdict: Slam Dunk! Getting Mayo’s old number will serve this young star well. This number will only help him prove he is more Mayo than Spikes as a linebacker.

 

Isaiah Wynn — No. 76

 

Not good. Again a personality trait keeps coming up and it screams underrated. Sebastian Vollmer and Brian Holloway are perfect examples of this. You have one bonafide star in Charley Long playing in a long ago age and plenty of workhorse players; Brandon Gorin, William Roberts, Dave Rowe. Its going to be tough to break that mold and remake the number in today’s age.

 

Greatness Verdict: 50/50 chance. If Wynn returns from his injury healthy and wins a tackle spot he has a chance to make a name for himself. I’m rooting for the kid and would rather see him live up to his 1st round status and outshine the other big men who wore this number.

 

Ryan Izzo — No. 85

 

Not only does this number have a Hall of Fame inductee, it also has a member of the 1985 Super Bowl team. But do to unfortunate events it will forever be known as the number held by one of the most infamous ex-players in the history of the league: Aaron Hernandez. Can Ryan Izzo overcome the checkered past of this number and make it his own?

 

Greatness Verdict: I just can’t see this happening. He’s got to overcome the stain that the former tight end has casted on this number. If Izzo was a linebacker or lineman I would say that he has a shot.

 

Thank you for reading and I hoped you enjoyed my humorous take on the numbers that the rookies chose as well as learned a little about the history of some Patriots that have worn them.

 

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

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

Follow me on Twitter @ALykins32
https://mobile.twitter.com/alykins32

Gronk Is Looking like His Old Happy Self at Camp

Leave a reply

Gronk Is Back and Healthy

Training camp wouldn’t be the same without Gronk, and it sure is good to see him on the practice field. Both Brady and Gronkowski decided to skip voluntary OTA’s earlier this offseason. Tom was away to spend time with his family, and maybe a little time away from the boss. Meanwhile, Gronk could’ve been away for many reasons. Retirement, as he stated after the loss to the Eagles last year, is not one of them. If my opinion matters, I think that a contract restructure could’ve been the cause for skipping OTAs. Gronk is about to make $9 million dollars this upcoming season. He could possibly want an extension or some guaranteed money up front. He is the best TE in the NFL, and arguably of all time, and he’s still playing with the best QB in the world.

Gronk Having Fun Again

Courtesy of Getty Images

Watching training camp, Gronk seems to have a little spring in his step mentally. He’s been acting like the Gronk of old. Rob Gronkowski has seemed to have done a complete 180 from a year ago at this time. He’s been actively helping the new faces, showing them the dedication it takes to play for Bill Belichick. While at the same time he’s been noticeably happier out on the field and after practice. His agent Drew Rosenhaus was spotted at camp recently, which could mean his contract situation is being taken care of. Rosenhaus is the agent of multiple Patriots, so it may have nothing to do with Gronk at all. With the expectation of the contract being done a week ago I believe it is no coincidence as to why was there.

Bill Has Done His Part

Courtesy of USA Today

Finally, Gronk comes in fully healthy, possibly another reason for him seeming so happy. He’s now able to focus on the little things not having to worry about nagging little injuries, just focusing on the grind and loving every minute of it from what I have seen. Bill Belichick has also done his part during camp. At the end of practice he switched the offense and defense for a quick scrimmage. Camp has certainly seemed a lot lighter this year. Everyone’s still working hard, but things have lightened up. With all the outside noise about this team not getting along, I believe it’s just the same old Patriots, with the same old happy Gronkowski. Come September 9th, we will be watching the same product on the field as always with many Gronk spikes.