Tag Archives: #PatriotNation

Those Pesky Gronk Rumors Explained

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

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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.

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Rookie Number Prognostication: Part 1

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What is in a jersey number? They are the printed numerals that are on a player’s jersey. A quick means of identifying that player on the field. The individual is easily recognizable so that yardage, catch, penalty, or score is tallied correctly. But they are so much more than that. Certain generations of New England Patriots fans can remember moments and envision number 12, 87, and 3 on jerseys. Older fans have memories of 78, 57, and 73 when remembering both heartbreaking moments or fantastic triumphs. Still, others will fondly recall number 20, 89, and 79 especially when beginning a sentence with, “Remember that game…”

Will a young child today recall a time when #5, #29 or #34 made the game-changing play?

Bill Belichick allowed the 2018 Patriots rookie class to don their permanent numbers just prior to the first preseason game of this year. In years past rookies weren’t assigned numbers until at least the end of minicamp. This was seen as a motivational tactic to have them earn a roster spot. Of course the NFL saw something that Belichick was doing and put a stop to it. And naturally when getting told not to do something that is different and to get in line, he handed out the rookies numbers starting in the 50s. The NFL has rules regarding which positions can wear certain numbers. So everyone knew what was going on.

People began weighing in on what numbers they should get. There is a trend on social media and among football analysts about who will have a great career based upon their number. These takes are backed up by insane reasoning, including how good the number looks on a certain body type, if an all-time great around the NFL had worn it, or if it was one of the numbers that the mysterious TV show Lost featured. I will dive right in and add my thoughts on the Patriots rookie class. I will not be using any of those criteria. Instead, I will base their future New England greatness on how prestigious the previous wearers of that number were, or if there is room for someone to make his mark on the numeral. And there may be a few wild cards thrown in, as you’ll see below.

Danny Etling No. 5.

It’s amazing that on a team as storied as the New England Patriots that there is a single digit number with as little wear as this one. Etling shares the number with other Patriots such as Greg Davis, Pat O’Neill, and Fred Steinfort. In fact, the only ones I recognized was Shayne Graham, when he filled in for Gostkowski in his injury-shortened 2010 season, and Kevin O’Connell for a single season.

Greatness Verdict: Yes!! Patriots greatness awaits #5 and Danny Etling. No one has yet impressed the fan base wearing that number. And a youthful first name will propel him to what will undoubtedly multiple Pro Bowls!

Corey Bojorquez — No. 7

It was nearly the same single digit wasteland as #5 until I remembered that Jacoby Brissett wore this for his cup-of-coffee stint in New England. Why does this change the destiny of the number? When Brissett inevitably reaches free agency and steals the starting job from Baker Mayfield or Josh Allen he will lead his new team to Super Bowl glory. Aside from Charlie Gogolak, John Huarte and Hugh Millen, no one else held the number for more than a single season.

Greatness Verdict: Not this kid. Unfortunately with the dual strikes of being an undrafted punter and following in Brissett’s footstep it will not be Corey that we remember the 7 for on the Patriots

Braxton Berrios — No. 14

At first glance you could say that he has a shot at claiming this number. Brandin Cooks, Tom Yewcic and Zoltan Mesko are some of the more familiar names to put in that number. However, you simply cannot compete to a guy that played for 16 seasons at the games most important position. If not for injuries, Steve Grogan may well have his number retired and an underdog Super Bowl Victory under his belt.

Greatness Verdict: Almost, but not quite. For every Welker and Edelman that go on to make a name for themselves there are a dozen more slight, slot receivers that never do. And the added pressure of reminding fans of a painful Super Bowl memory doesn’t help.

Sony Michel — No. 29

Now we are getting into the critical numbers and players for the New England Patriots. The jersey number selection is becoming important in determining a players ultimate success. No. 29 has been worn by some young prospects (Shane Vereen, Sterling Moore), and some veterans on short stints with the Patriots (Chris Hayes, Myron Guyton). One of the greatest names ever for a football player ever in Earthwind Moreland as he spent a year wearing it in New England. Here’s where it gets interesting. Recent fan favorite LeGarrette Blount wore it for three seasons. Being a veteran journeyman that won his Super Bowl and moved on. That to me says that the number is ready for a home-grown running back to hang that number up.

Greatness Verdict: This one is easy. It will be in the rafters when Sony Michel hangs his cleats up. Having a fantastic name and being the perfect new age running back. He can be a featured name in the Patriots as they transition from the Brady Belichick Era to a possible Etling and Michel Era.

JC Jackson — No. 34

We have a dilemma here. This is an undrafted player that can be a star. Made some mistakes in college and one of the most professional teams in the NFL is willing to give him a chance. The only problem I see is that he chose a number that is filled with decent role players. Tebucky Jones, Sammy Morris, Prentice McCray, Ron Sellers, and Shane Vereen. The most notable name is the Boston Patriots DB Chuck Shonta. An eight year career in the 60s that saw him intercept QBs 15 times is not great but okay. There is a huge risk in wearing this number because as a CB it appears that its best times were in eras past.

Greatness Verdict: Not wearing this number! JC Jackson may be the next good undrafted cornerback, but not wearing #34. It saw its best days when double bar helmets and Pat the Patriot were things.

Look for Part 2 very soon when I dive into the rest of the Patriots rookie class.

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

Brady Breaking Records: 2018 Edition

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In what is becoming one of my favorite training camp rituals, I am checking out what records the New England Patriots quarterbacking legend, Tom Brady can break in the upcoming season. And let me tell you they are dwindling fast. It is refreshing to take a moment and look at all he has accomplished and the few things he has yet to do in order to prepare myself for those inevitable “Tom Brady is not the greatest quarterback ever” arguments I’ll find myself in.

While he won’t break some of Favre’s more dubious records like most interceptions thrown and only has an outside chance at some of his longevity records. He will probably lose out to the younger Brees on the pure volume statistics when they both decide to retire. He owns virtually every quality and frequency record for the postseason and Super Bowl already.

Without further ado, let’s get into some milestones that we hope Tom Terrific jumps over this season.

Career Passing Touchdowns (including postseason)

Peyton Manning sits at the top with 579. Who is nipping right at his heels? Tom Brady, 559, thank you very much. So a mere 20 touchdown passes from the best quarterback in the game and he will have thrown more touchdowns than any other quarterback ever. Let that sink in. A sixth round pick that’s had to fight for everything he’s had in the game will now be sitting at the very top. He is a little further away from the regular season record and he’s currently tied with Drew Brees at 488. Peyton Manning’s mark is 539 so the likelihood of Brady passing for 51 touchdowns to tie and pass Brees are much slimmer.

Career Passing Yards (including postseason)

Brady just needs less than 3000 yards to break Manning’s record of 79,279 total career passing yards. And Tom Brady could be playing for several more years!! This will be a mark that may be unbreakable. Brees will pass Manning for regular season yards thrown this season and Brady doesn’t have a shot at passing them both this year. He will join the 70,000 regular season yards club this season as the fourth member.

Pro Bowl Selections

For as meaningless as playing in the NFL’s All-Star Game is the selections are a good indicator of ability and popularity. If and when he gets his 14th selection he will move into a logjam with Manning, Merlin Olsen, Bruce Matthews, and Tony Gonzalez. Put that one down for the 2019 season for him to break.

Bonus: How many of those 13 Pro Bowls did Brady actually play in? Just twice!!

Fourth Quarter Comebacks and Game Winning Drives

Peyton Manning:

45 Fourth Quarter Comebacks,

56 Game-Winning Drives

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/comeback.cgi?player=MannPe00

Tom Brady:

42 Fourth Quarter Comebacks,

53 Game-Winning Drives

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/comeback.cgi?player=BradTo00

This is is from Pro Football Reference. And it is a little tricky to nail down the exact number. But Tom Brady is close. Within two or three of each and he should have a chance at passing him this year or next. Listen for announcers to be using stats like these as the season moves on.

Here is a great Reddit thread of all the records that Brady owns currently

https://www.reddit.com/r/Patriots/comments/7qee4l/i_could_not_find_a_comprehensive_tom_brady_record/

I can’t wait for the 2018 NFL season. To be able to witness the quarterback of my favorite team on the cusp of breaking these records and hopefully to be able compete for another Championship. I am enjoying each and every game because we may not be getting many more if them. Go Pats!

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

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Devin Lucien Is Primed To Make The Patriots 53-Man Roster

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Devin Lucien is yet again on the roster bubble for the New England Patriots this summer. It seems that in every offseason since 2016, the UCLA and Arizona State wide receiver is battling for a spot on the 53-man roster. This time around, there seems to be something different in the air. Lucien has more than a fighting chance to make the 2018-2019 team.

Third Time’s A Charm

Lucien was drafted 225^th overall in the seventh round of the 2016 draft by the Patriots. This moment was arguably his most significant one in the NFL to date. Lucien struggled to find his footing with the Pats in training camp and was one of the final cuts that summer. He was subsequently signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

The Patriots would go on to win the Superbowl that season (28-3, need I say more?) and Lucien would never see the field. That Patriots team was stacked at wide receiver with the likes of Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris Hogan, and fellow rookie Malcolm Mitchell. There simply wasn’t room for Lucien on the 53-man roster in the 2016-2017 season.

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

From there, things continued to spiral out of his control. On February 7^th, 2017, he signed a futures contract with the Patriots but was subsequently placed on injured reserve on September 2^ndwith a bad foot. He was ultimately released with an injury settlement on September 6^th.

The next four months must have been a blur for Lucien, as he suffered through short practice squad stints with the Colts, Chiefs, Texans, and Buccaneers. Finally, less than a month ago, Lucien signed yet again with the Patriots.

A Clean Slate

The new-look Patriots could be a much more favorable home for Lucien this season. The wide receiver corps is already in a precarious position. It looks quite different than it did during Lucien’s rookie tenure on the practice squad. Gone are the days of Amendola and Mitchell catching passes from Tom Brady. Hogan is still here, but he has never been a targets hoarder. Edelman is on the shelf for the first four games of the season.

While there’s plenty of space for Lucien to find his niche at wideout, he’s not entering the second week of the preseason without considerable competition. As of right now, the only locks for the roster are Hogan, Edelman, Matt Slater, and Cordarelle Patterson. Lucien will be battling amidst journeymen veterans (Eric Decker and Kenny Britt), rookie hopefuls (Braxton Berrios), practice squad mainstays (Riley McCarron), and players defined by unfulfilled potential (Phillip Dorsett and Paul Turner).

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

What Lucien has at his advantage is a few seasons working out with Brady and Co. Guys like Decker, Britt, Berrios, and Turner are experiencing their first summer this season in New England. We all know how daunting that can be. Lucien has been a preseason regular for the Pats over the past three seasons. He often showcased some burgeoning chemistry with Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jacoby Brissett. Now, it’s time for Lucien to break his way through that circle of trust with Brian Hoyer and Danny Etling.

Opening Game Highlight Reel

Lucien looked well on his way to separating himself from the pack in the Patriots first preseason game last week. He notched four catches on six targets for 71 yards, including two crucial snags to lead the team down the field for three points right before halftime. He looked convincingly more prepared than many of his teammates and has been heralded as an under-the-radar standout in practice.

One Game At A Time

“I think that was one of the great things about coming back was having a fresh start,” Lucien said in an interview on Monday. “That was one of the things I really wanted to build upon when I got here. Not being known as a practice squad guy, but possibly being known as a guy who could make the team. I’m just trying to take it day by day. Whatever happens is going to happen. I’m just trying to be as happy as I can while I’m enjoying this.”

Time will tell if Lucien can make the final jump to the 53-man roster. Look for his number to be called early and often on Thursday night against the Eagles.

Training Camp Breakdown: Patterson shines/Injuries Occur

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Training Camp has been in full swing for just about a week now for almost every team. The HOF game was last night, and it finally feels like football’s back. So naturally, just like anybody else in the New England area who loves football, you visit training camp. It was a cloudy day filled with much overcast, but still, hundreds of fans attended. People had signs, footballs, and even shoes being ready to get signed while they watch the Pats. There were many things I noticed and had stuck out during my few hours at the Patriots’ practice.

Spotlight Players in the Starting Offense

One of the first things I wanted to look at was how this offense is looking. After losing key pieces like Solder, Amendola, and Lewis, I know the Pats would be changing personnel around. Well at first glance, it’s very apparent that they haven’t lost a beat. Trent Brown, the NFL’s own version of “The Mountain”, was holding his ground. The 6’8″ lineman was holding his blocks against a Patriots D-line that looks greatly improved.

More shining stars on this offense were wideouts Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson. Dorsett is looking like a brand new wide receiver after a disappointing first season in Foxborough last year. He caught numerous passes from Brady in coverage during 11 on 11 drills and it felt like he was rarely off the field. Patterson, however, is even more of a pleasant surprise to see him working with the 1’s in training camp. Another previous first-round pick who’s had trouble producing is trying to turn that around. When the Patriots initially traded for him, it appeared his role was special teams only. Now in August, it looks like Belichick has taken a liking to him. Patterson was lining up on the outside in numerous plays from walk-through plays to full on 11 on 11’s. It appears that this speedster is going to be doing a lot more than just fielding punts and kicks in the near future.

Other Position Battles Heating Up

Photo Credit: NESN

Besides the new faces on offense trying to get the coaches attention, there are plenty of other players vying for that 53 man roster and furthermore starting spots. Some of the most interesting things noticed throughout the practice. Eric Rowe and second-round pick Duke Dawson have been fighting for that second cornerback spot. As of now, Rowe is seeming to have the edge lining up in the second spot opposite of Stephon Gilmore. Dawson, however, hasn’t disappeared as he’s locking players down as the nickel cornerback currently.

Even special teams have competition on both ends. We’re seeing players like Rex Burkhead compete with the likes of Edelman and Patterson to return kicks this year. Even if we flip to the other side one of the underrated position battles has been Ryan Allen and rookie punter Corey Bojorquez. Ryan Allen has always been a consistent punter in the league; but obviously, if the Patriots have been keeping two punters so far, they wanna see who comes on top.

Quick Injury Update

Photo Credit: MassLive

With all these practices starting again comes padded practices. With padded practices, unfortunately, comes injuries, and the Patriots have already had a few. Jordan Matthews was one of the most notable ones, and the Patriots even had to release him the other day. Rookie running back, Sony Michel, and starting tackle, Marcus Cannon, left practice early with injuries. It’s unknown exactly what injuries these are; but three days later, they’re still kept from practicing. Good injury news though is wideout, Kenny Britt, is finally practicing even if it’s scaled back for now.

Training Camp is always an exciting time for fans, reporters, and even the players. Football is just gearing up for the season, and the Patriots are in full swing. After only a week of practice, so much has happened to New England’s team. As the preseason continues to roll out Boston Sports Extra continue to provide updates and thoughts on everything Patriots!

Your 2018 Patriots Predictions

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The 53-man roster prediction is a masochistic exercise. You can spend hours poring over the charts, historical position numbers, contracts and cap hits. In the end Bill Belichick will do what he feels will help the 2018 Patriots the best to win football games. Stop me if you’ve heard that one. Without any further delay, and before anyone else gets cut, I’ve went position by position and given a short explanation of my thought process.

Quarterback

Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Danny Etling (PS)

Cuts: None

This is the easiest position group to project. The Patriots will want to keep Etling in some capacity as he continues to progress.

Wide Receiver

Chris Hogan, Jordan Matthews, Phillip Dorsett, Matt Slater (ST), Cordarrelle Patterson, Julian Edelman (SUS), Braxton Berrios, Kenny Britt

Cuts: Malcolm Mitchell, Riley McCarron, Devin Lucien, Paul Turner

This is the perfect Patriot group of wide receivers. A quiet group of overachievers or veterans looking to prove themselves and get a chance at a ring. The Edelman suspension will give someone a four-week extension on their NFL career. The punt returner battle will determine the bottom of the depth chart as Berrios and McCarron battle it out.

Tight Ends

Rob Gronkowski, Jacob Hollister, Dwayne Allen

Cuts: Will Tye, Ryan Izzo

I am reluctantly placing Allen in the final roster. I still believe he will adjust his contract before camp is done. A $5 million cap hit is much too much for ten catches, 86 yards, and one touchdown. Despite his excellent blocking abilities, you can find that for much less and allow the development of younger guys.

Running Backs

Rex Burkhead, James White, Sony Michel, Jeremy Hill, Brandon Bolden, James Develin (FB)

Cuts: Mike Gillislee, Ralph Webb

Another position group in which the pecking order is fairly well established. White, Bolden and Develin all have important roles. Burkhead and Michel figure to split the bulk of the carries. The only battle here is who will secure a big back role, if there is one.

Offensive Line

Trent Brown, Isaiah Wynn, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Cole Croston, LaAdrian Waddle

Cuts: Joe Thuney (Trade), Nate Theaker, Jason King, Matt Tobin, John Ulrick, James Ferentz, Luke Bowanko, Ted Karras, Brian Schwenke

My first shocker! Trent Brown is looking to lock down the starting left tackle role with his impressive blend of size and speed. I can’t see Thuney holding off Wynn as the left guard. That makes him a viable trade target. A few of these guys will also be in line for practice squad spots.

Defensive Ends

Adrian Clayborn, Trey Flowers, Deatrich Wise, Derek Rivers, Eric Lee

Cuts: Keionta Davis, Frank Herron

This could be a scary rotation. All of these guys bring some serious pass rushing abilities. Eric Lee is one of the last guys in, so he has to make some noise in order to grab his spot.

Defensive Tackle

Danny Shelton, Malcolm Brown, Lawrence Guy, Vincent Valentine

Cuts: Adam Butler, John Atkins

Another talented position group. Running against these guys just got a lot harder with the addition of Big Danny Shelton. Not a lot of rushing abilities which is why it’s a little light in terms of numbers for me.

Linebackers

Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Harvey Langi, Marquis Flowers, Christian Sam, Elandon Roberts

Cuts: Geneo Grissom, Nicholas Grigsby, Ja’Whaun Bentley

With injuries last year Van Noy had to assume a lot of different roles and played a ton of snaps. They rewarded him with a contract extension. Roberts was another player affected by the injuries last season. I think he would have been a reserve or even cut last season and is on the bubble again. Speed on special teams gives Christian Sam the nod over Bentley.

Safeties

Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Nate Ebner

Cuts: Damarius Travis, Jordan Richards, A.J. Moore, Eddie Pleasant

Normally the Patriots go much heavier at safety. Given the talent at cornerback and linebacker I think that changes this year. And I hope, hope, hope that Richards is not included in the final roster this year.

Cornerbacks

Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones (PUP), Cyrus Jones, Duke Dawson, J.C. Jackson

Cuts: Jomal Wiltz, Ryan Lewis, Brandon King, Keion Crossen

A very versatile and competitive group. New “DC” Flores will have many chess pieces to craft the perfect coverage schemes. If Cyrus Jones does net get on the field and prove himself, he will lose his spot to Crossen or another returner.

Special Teams

Stephen Gostkowski (K), Joe Cardona (LS), Corey Bojorquez (P)

Cuts: Ryan Allen

A real live left-footed punter battle! Like a rare unicorn they will fight it out. Ultimately Bojorquez has to show better leg strength that can offset any learning curve to upset Allen.

There you have it folks! Undoubtedly this will crumble and collapse at the next Patriots practice and I will question life. But it is a fun exercise into a deep dive of a complex process. Be sure to comment and tell me how your favorite player is definitely making the roster.

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

Danny Amendola Thinks Gase Is A Friend, Belichick Is A Principal (@kaigedipaolo)

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This past NFL free agency was a head spin with players all over the league leaving for new teams. One of those occurrences was when veteran Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola left to join division rival Miami Dolphins. The move at the time seemed predictable; Amendola wanted more money and the Dolphins had more to give. They also needed a replacement for the recently traded Jarvis Landry. The sadness around New England eventually faded and fans became at peace with the fact they lost their “lady killer number 80”. However, recently Amendola appeared on the Comeback Szn podcast. There he talked about how much he fell for third-year head coach, Adam Gase.

To quote Amendola, “Coach Gase is one of the guys, one of the boys, and you want to fight hard for your boys, Back in New England, it’s almost like you’ve got a principal.” This is definitely an interesting remark, especially when you compare the Patriots and the Dolphins records throughout Coach Gase’s two years in Miami. While having “one of the guys” as a coach probably leads to more enjoyable practices, the results show. Miami went 10-6 in his first season (with a playoff elimination in the wildcard to Pittsburgh) and a 180 year to going 6-10 the following year. So it really is a tossup what Amendola and the Dolphins can expect going into the new season.

In contrast, it seems that having a principal garnishes better results. The Patriots finished 2016 with a 14-2 record and winning the Superbowl in their miraculous comeback against Atlanta. They then finished 13-3 last year and still making the big game even if it resulted in a loss.

Obviously, Amendola wasn’t trying to slander how New England’s football team is operated. He later stated “I got to play for the greatest coach of all time, the greatest quarterback of all time and one of the greatest owners of all time. I got to understand what it was like to put the work in and really grind out … and learn how to win.” Danny put up some of his best numbers during his time in New England, having 600+ yards in three seasons, (via profootballreference.com) winning two super bowls, playing in three super bowls, and not to mention being in the playoffs every season he was there.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season:

How will all of that translate through to the next season? It’s a safe guess to say the Patriots will have another plus .500 record, anywhere from 12-4 to 14-2. History has shown over the past eight years the principal and his top student, Brady, are still top dogs. However, trying to look at what record the Dolphins could finish with is a different story as there are many factors. This includes Tannehill’s ability post-ACL tear, how their lackluster star player skill position group will hold, etc. It’s a stretch to say they could go even with the Pat’s at 12-4 or 14-2. The possibility of another 10-6 season is definitely not out of grasps. There’s clearly chemistry already with Amendola and Gase, which is a good sign in this league. Chemistry aside, all we can do now is see if that chemistry and friendship will lead to wins come September.

Eye of the Tiger: Part 2 of Patriots Training Camp

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This is Part 2 of the 10 Patriots with the most to prove heading into training camp. To read the first five Patriots visit Part 1.

Who’s got the eye of the tiger?

The thrill of the fight…

Heading into the 2018 training camp for the New England Patriots, there are 90 hungry young men vying for 53 roster spots. Who wants it most? Which player will fight off challengers for a roster spot? Training camp is the place to find answers to these questions. The quest for a sixth championship begins with the start of the regular season. There is lots of work to be done in that time.

For your pre-training camp look at which Patriots have the most to prove, we have dived deep into the roster and dissected position depth, contract details, and likelihood of making the roster. Of course, we will apply the highly scientific Shakeup Factor to let you know the potential impact if these players do not make the team.

Elandon Roberts, LB

Roberts has performed admirably for a sixth round pick. He has started for the bulk of two years with the Patriots and won a Super Bowl while playing in another. However, his limited coverage abilities have been exposed and the Patriots may be looking for younger, better replacements.

Shakeup Factor: 4.8

He has definitely fallen short of being the “best linebacker in the Draft.” But Roberts has made a very positive impact and replacing his snaps will have to come from Hightower or some of the unproven players on the team.

Mike Gillislee, RB

When the Patriots signed the restricted free agent from Buffalo, many thought that he would turn into the next big thing at running back. It didn’t quite work out that way. In fact, he was not even active for a good portion of the later part of the season. With just under 2.2 million in cap space, it seems unlikely that the team will allow the Gillislee experiment to continue.

Shakeup Factor: 5.2

The SF number takes into account the likelihood that Jeremy Hill will get cut as well. It seems logical that the two big backs are battling for one roster spot. If Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, and James White are ready to shoulder the load, then it could be that the Patriots don’t keep another RB at all. This logic is surprising, but not unthinkable.

Phillip Dorsett, WR

Trading away a young, cost-controlled quarterback that had already shown he can win games as a rookie would normally result in shockwaves. The Patriots trading Jacoby Brissett for a lackluster Phillip Dorsett was only the second highest QB trade they completed last season. After a year of limited impact, Dorsett has a good foundation and could make more noise this year in the crowded group of receivers. But it will be a dogfight for the speedster to make the team.

Shakeup Factor: 5.5

Trading away a quality QB prospect for a single season of poor production from a wide receiver would be considered a bad deal by any team out there. Dorsett getting cut before the year starts would go down as one of the poorer evaluations from Bill Belichick.

Dwayne Allen, TE

Despite his lack of quantifiable production in 2017, Dwayne Allen made a big impact that didn’t necessarily show up on the stats sheet. As the second tight end on the depth chart, his blocking abilities were surely underestimated. Will that be enough for the Pats to keep him, especially with a 13.4 million cap hit and no dead money over the next two seasons? It doesn’t seem likely.

Shakeup Factor: 7.3

Allen has competition at the tight end spot. The Patriots signed Troy Niklas and Will Tye as veterans and reports on Jacob Hollister have been just short of glowing. Allen will have to turn in his playbook if someone steps up and shows they can block as well as be productive in the passing game. That 5 million cap space could probably be used more resourcefully than for a blocking pylon.

Joe Thuney, OG

The story of Joe Thuney is a compelling one; he was a third round offensive line prospect that won the starting job as a rookie and has started every game since. The current chapter may be coming to an end.

Thuney has struggled at times. Alongside the smaller David Andrews at center, struggles between the two can contribute to breakdowns on the offensive line. Still, there are a lot of questions to be answered. Does Trent Brown win the starting left tackle job? If Isaiah Wynn plays guard this season, do the Patriots value Thuney as a backup?

Shakeup Factor: 8.2

The Patriots have always been relatively unconventional with their offensive line. O-line savant Dante Scarnecchia has surely gained the right to make the risky roster decisions. If Thuney is the best option, he will play. If they can get good value for him, he will get a second chance somewhere else. Regardless, the offensive line should be better for the 2018 season and help the Patriots back to the Super Bowl.

Training camp will shake the tree and the nuts will tell the story. Stay tuned.

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
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