Tag Archives: Patriots

Tom Brady Had A Say In Bringing Back Josh McDaniels (@steveA1127)

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The Bizarre Offseason

Courtesy of Jim Rogash

There is no question that this offseason for the Patriots has been the most bizarre offseason in 18 years. It began immediately after the Super Bowl up until Tom Brady skipping OTA’s. It was reported last week by Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal that Belichick is upset that Robert Kraft is intervening in football decisions. Then, it was reported by Karen Guergian of the Boston Herald that Brady had a say in bringing back Josh McDaniels.

Brady Overstepping His Boundaries?

Guergian wrote “As for Belichick, he is reportedly irritated because he believes Brady tugged on (owner) Robert Kraft to make moves (Jimmy Garoppolo, Josh McDaniels) which ultimately forced Belichick’s hand.  My sources confirm Brady had a hand in bringing McDaniels back at the 11th hour, after the latter was headed to Indianapolis to be the Colts coach.”

In my opinion, this will be Bill Belichick’s last season with the Patriots and he’ll retire. Once Belichick found out Brady had a say again in a football decision, it was all over from there. Belichick is now preparing the team so it’s decent when Josh McDaniels takes over next season as the head coach. Josh McDaniels needed to know what his status was going to be with the Patriots before he came back. Once McDaniels found out he’d be the successor , the right decision was to come back to Foxoborough.

The End is Near

This also gives Tom Brady a year under Josh McDaniels before he too retires. There’s no way Brady is playing until age 45. While Brady is excited to begin his 18th season on the Patriots, posting on Instagram that he’ll play until age 45 is for the fans. In reality, he’s likely going to retire at the end of the 2019 NFL season. Enjoy the final two years because the end is coming sooner rather than later. Go check out his interview with Oprah if you don’t believe me.

Patriots Training Camp Preview: Defensive Tackles

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There are many new faces on this Patriots team compared to last year. The Pats acquired four guys from trade, fifteen from free agency, and nine from the NFL Draft. They also lost nine players from trade and free agency and had three players retire.

In this new series, I will be looking at every player from each position leading up to training camp. For this part of the series, I will take a look at the defensive tackles. The Pats acquired one DT via trade, and two as undrafted free agents. They also were able to keep their main defensive tackles from last season.

Malcom Brown #90 (2015-Present):

Malcom Brown is entering his fourth year in the NFL and for the Pats. He was New England’s first-round draft choice in 2015, as he was taken as the 32nd overall pick. Brown played all 16 games in his rookie season while starting 12. In those 16 games, Brown had 48 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. He also played in the two playoff games that year where he recorded six tackles. Brown’s 2016 season saw him play all 16 games while starting in 13. He had 3 sacks, 50 tackles, and a safety, over the course of that season. Brown played in 13 games and started 12 last season. He suffered an ankle injury which made him miss three games. In the 13 games, he did play in, Brown had 49 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He also had 6 tackles in the Super Bowl 52 defeat to Philadelphia.

The Patriots recently declined Brown’s fifth-year option which will make Brown a free agent next offseason. Brown has been a very good player so far with New England. He can stuff the run, but also occasionally rush the passer. Brown has a very likely chance of making the roster, but with the Pats declining his option anything can happen.

Danny Shelton #71 (2018-Present):

Danny Shelton is going into his first year in New England and his fourth in the NFL. Shelton was the 12th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and was the only defensive tackle picked ahead of Malcom Brown. In Shelton’s rookie season he played in 16 games and started 15; he had 36 tackles. His 2017 season saw Shelton start all 16 games and had 59 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Shelton suffered a calf injury in the 2017 season which caused him to miss 2 games. In the 14 games he played in, Shelton had 33 tackles.

https://twitter.com/DLineVids/status/842044399164968963

The Pats acquired Shelton via trade with the Cleveland Browns. The trade included the Pats receiving a fifth-round pick and Shelton for a 2019 third-round pick. New England declined Shelton’s fifth-year option making him a free agent in 2019. Shelton is a very big man whose only really good at stuffing the run. He is a very good compliment to guys like Brown, Flowers, and Clayborn because of that. Shelton has a very likely chance of making the roster, but he can not show up overweight.

Lawrence Guy #93 (2017-Present):

Lawrence Guy is heading into his seventh NFL season and his second for New England. Guy was a seventh-round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Colts. In his first five seasons, he played for three teams, Indianapolis, San Diego, and Baltimore. Over those three seasons, he appeared in 67 games, and had 129 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Before the 2017 season, Guy was signed to the Patriots on a four-year deal. His first season saw him start in 15 games and appearing in all 16. He had a career-high in tackles (58) and had 1 sack. Guy also played in all three playoff games having 21 tackles and 1 sack.

Guy is a very versatile defensive-lineman as he can be a pass-rusher on the outside or a run-stuffer on the inside. With a lot more competition this year on the d-line, Guy will have to still battle for a roster spot.

Vincent Valentine #99 (2016-Present):

Vincent Valentine was the 96th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He is now entering his third year for the team and in the NFL. Valentine’s role in 2016 was primarily to backup guys like Malcom Brown and Alan Branch. He played in 13 games and started 2. In those 13 games that he played, Valentine had 19 tackles and 1 sack. Valentine did not play one snap the entire 2017 due to a knee injury.

Valentine is primarily a run-stuffer as a 330 lb defensive linemen. With him coming off an injury, and the Patriots adding to the defensive line, it is going to be very tough for him to make the roster. Valentine’s best chance of making the team is most likely through the practice squad.

Adam Butler #70 (2017-Present):

Adam Butler was a pleasant surprise for the Patriots last year as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt. Butler was forced to step up after many of the Patriots defensive linemen got injured. He appeared in 16 games his rookie year and started 6 of them. He had 19 tackles and 2 sacks over those 16 games. Butler also contributed in the playoffs with 3 tackles and 2 sacks in three games.

https://twitter.com/dbc5361/status/952380761415536640

Butler has shown so much potential as an undrafted rookie to be a good player in the NFL. However, even though he had a solid season last year that does not mean he will be a lock to make the roster. Butler is going to have to work very hard in preseason and training camp if he wants to make the 53 man roster.

Frank Herron (Rookie):

Frank Herron was picked up by New England as an undrafted free agent out of LSU. Herron was a four-year player at LSU but only played in 23 games over those years. His college career consisted of him having 67 tackles and 2 sacks.

Herron’s character issues are what dropped him out of the draft, but he did do well in the games he played. If Herron can stay on the field, I think he will have a career in the NFL as a backup. Herron’s best chance of making the Pats is by practice squad.

John Atkins (Rookie):

John Atkins was also picked up by New England as an undrafted free agent. He is joining his former college teammates, Sony Michel and Isaiah Wynn, as a rookie for the Patriots. Atkins had a four-year career at Georgia where he played in 36 games. Over the span of his career, Atkins had 81 tackles, 0 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He was a key factor in Georgia’s National Championship appearance.

Atkins is a run-stuffer only he has had zero sacks over the span of his career. The 330 pound defensive tackle will have to work very hard to make the team. His best chance to make the team is by practice squad, or a key-player getting hurt.

Overall, the Patriots defensive tackle group has only gotten better. The addition of Danny Shelton added to guys like Brown, Butler, and Guy will be a key reason to why the Patriots make another Super Bowl run.

Julian Edelman Will Not Appeal His Suspension

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Julian Edelman Won’t Take Further Action

(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Julian Edelman will not take any further action and appeal his four-game suspension. He will be out for the first four games of the season. This is a blow to the Patriots offense to begin the year with the loss of Amendola. Tom Brady will have to rely on other players to step up and make plays. Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, and Rob Gronkowski will have to be key parts to the offense to begin the year. Julian Edelman was popped for a PED substance following the injury to his torn ACL. Alex Guerrero came to the defense of Edelman and said it had nothing to do with his treatment at TB12.

Julian Edelman Will Be Missed

The schedule for the Patriots in September is against the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins. Julian Edelman won’t take the same road Tom Brady took during his deflate-gate suspension. Julian Edelman has been working out with Tom Brady privately this offseason in the practice field house. Edelman did attend the OTA’s this offseason in an attempt to start off on the right foot after missing all of last season.

Bill Belichick can’t be happy Edelman will be missing the first four games, but like always, will do what’s best for the football team. With training camp beginning Thursday, we’ll catch the first glimpse of everyone on the practice field behind Gillette Stadium. Everyone is expected to be there and Brady will supposedly be there early as well. Rob Gronkowski will also be there early.

Julian Edelman Will Be Ready To Go In Week Five

Julian Edelman is a loss, but I would have him serve the suspension at the beginning of the season rather than in December. It’s still a mystery what Edelman tested positive for because the NFL won’t release that information. Whatever it was that got him suspended, he’ll be ready to go in week five.

From 2000 To Today: A Dynasty In Peril? (@steveA1127)

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2000 Was A Great Year In New England

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR_PDDCZkss

I was eight years old when Tom Brady was drafted in 2000. When the Patriots drafted Brady in the sixth round pick (199th overall), nobody outside of New England thought this run would last 18 years. The Patriots have won five Super Bowls and have been to eight of them from 2001-2017. From the beginning, Robert Kraft has let head coach Bill Belichick run the football operations. From letting players go no matter how good they are, Belichick always has said he does what’s best for the team, not for an individual player (except for Brady).

Robert Kraft Has Grown Close To Tom Brady

Via Boston Herald

Robert Kraft is like a father to Tom Brady and would never let Bill Belichick trade him.  However, things in Foxborough started to shake a little when Tom Brady’s play started to slip and Belichick was looking towards Tom Brady’s successor. From 2010-2013, Tom Brady threw 134 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. In 2014, Bill Belichick made a pick at quarterback and selected Jimmy Garoppolo. Belichick said at a press conference after they drafted Garoppolo, “We know what Tom’s age and contract situation is. I don’t think you want to have one quarterback on your team. I don’t think that’s responsible to the entire team or the organization.”

Tom Brady Played Better After Garoppolo Was Drafted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axj4FVhkoL8

That is when Tom Brady really shifted into gear with preparation. He knew how he got his job and didn’t want the same to happen to him. The power struggle probably started in 2014, when Belichick drafted Jimmy Garoppolo. Tom Brady threw 129 touchdowns from 2014-2017 and only 26 interceptions. Brady also would lead the Patriots to two Super Bowls victories and have the greatest comeback in Super Bowl History, down 25 points.

Every Relationship Has Tension

At the start of the 2017 NFL season, Brady was really pushing his TB12 brand. Brady was also saying he wanted to play until his mid 40’s. Meanwhile, Belichick was planning for the future of the franchise, preparing for the next quarterback to fill Tom Brady’s shoes. Belichick wanted to do what was best for the football team – moving on from someone, regardless of how much they mean to the organization. However, what Belichick fails to realize is that Tom Brady is bigger than the team. He’s earned that right to stick around based solely on how many championships he’s won.

Belichick Likes To Do What’s Best For The Team

However, when you play for Bill Belichick, he doesn’t see it that way. He wanted to go with Jimmy Garoppolo to be set for the next decade. But when Brady reportedly went to Kraft and asked to trade Garoppolo, that’s when Belichick really got upset. Kraft shipped Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers, which prompted Belichick to talk very highly of Garoppolo during the immediate press conference. That is when Tom E. Curran first reported a rift, even before ESPN did in January.

The Transitions Are Coming, From Ownership To Players

Kraft said before the Super Bowl last season that in every relationship, there’s going to be tension and that people aren’t always going to agree on things. Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal wrote last week that relations between Kraft, Belichick, and Brady have still not been worked out. Belichick is upset that Kraft is getting in the way of football decisions. Between trading Garoppolo to bringing back McDaniels and almost trading Gronkowski, Belichick is likely not too happy. Bill Belichick has traded every possible weapon that could help Brady.

I still believe Belichick is retiring at the end of the season, which is whyJosh McDaniels was brought back. McDaniels needed to be assured that the head coach position would soon be his. This conversation surely took place.

Brady Hinting He Will Be Reporting To Training Camp Early

Via Patriots Instagram

Since Jimmy Garoppolo has been gone, Brady has talked about spending more time with his family and has skipped all offseason voluntary workouts. All of the “in denial” Patriots fans will say that the voluntary workouts aren’t important. Yet, Brady has attended them for 17 seasons and nobody said that it wasn’t a big deal in those years. Tom Brady has hinted he will be reporting to Patriots training camp on Sunday four days early. All of his vacations are over and it’s back to work for the almost 41-year-old quarterback.

This year begins the 18th season between Belichick, Brady, and Kraft. It’s been a great ride for the last 18 years and this one might be the last we see these three in the same building together. Brady, like I’ve been saying, will likely play out his contract and retire after the 2019 season. In 2020, Josh McDaniels will have a brand new team to work with and try to bring more championships to Foxborough for the next decade.

Patriots Training Camp Preview: Defensive Ends (@bigmike7772)

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There are many new faces on this Patriots team compared to last year. The Pats acquired four guys from trade, fifteen from free agency, and nine from the NFL Draft. They also lost nine players from trade and free agency and had three players retire.

In this new series, I will be looking at every player from each position leading up to training camp. For this part of the series, I will take a look at the defensive ends. The Pats acquired one DE via free agency and one as an undrafted rookie. The defensive end position was a concern last year due to health issues, but a lot of guys will be coming back.

Adrian Clayborn #94 (2018-Present):

Adrian Clayborn was acquired by New England this off-season during free agency. Clayborn is entering his 8th season in the NFL, and 1st for the Pats. He was drafted by Tampa Bay in the first round of the 2011 Draft and played four seasons for the Bucs. Over those four seasons, he only played in 36 games due to injuries. Clayborn was then signed by Atlanta in 2015 as an unrestricted free agent. His first two seasons in Atlanta started off slow with him only having 7.5 sacks in that span. However, his 2017 campaign proved why he was a first-round pick. He played in all 16 games that season, but only started 2. In those 16 games, Clayborn had a career high in sacks (9.5) including a game against Dallas where he had 6 sacks.

Clayborn is a welcome addition to what was a depleted front seven for the Pats last year. Adrian will look to team up with Trey Flowers and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. He will definitely make the team for the upcoming season.

Trey Flowers #98 (2015-Present):

Even though Flowers was drafted in 2015, he is the longest-tenured Patriot at defensive end. Flowers is now entering his 4th season for New England in 2018. Trey missed most of his rookie season after a shoulder injury placed him on injured reserve. Flowers’ 2016 season was a massive breakthrough the Pats needed for their Super Bowl run. He played in all 16 games that season and had seven sacks. His real breakout on the national level came in Super Bowl 51 against Atlanta. In that game, Flowers had 2.5 sacks and a crucial one on 2nd down to push the Falcons out of field goal range.

Flowers had another solid season in 2017 where he had 6.5 sacks. Overall, Trey is the leader of the defensive line for New England at such a young age. He can only get better and will most certainly make the team for next season.

Derek Rivers #95 (2017-Present):

Derek Rivers is entering his second season in the NFL. He was the highest draft pick for New England in 2017 as he was taken 86th overall. Rivers did not play one snap during the season though as he suffered a torn ACL. He played college football for Youngstown State at the FCS level. He quickly became one of the best pass-rushers of all-time in FCS. Rivers totaled 41 career sacks over his four-year career. This was a school record and is fifth all-time in sacks at the FCS level.

https://twitter.com/DLineVids/status/825481079683325952

Rivers has a lot of potential for the upcoming season. He is a complete pass-rusher and can get to the QB at a high rate. I believe he will make the roster for the upcoming season.

Deatrich Wise #91 (2017-Present):

Deatrich Wise is entering his 2nd season in the NFL and for the Pats. He was drafted by New England in the 2017 NFL Draft with the 131st overall pick. Wise got a lot of playing time in the 2017 season due to the injuries to the Patriots front seven. He played in all 16 games, and had 5 total sacks. He also had 2 sacks against Tennessee in the divisional round of the 2017 NFL Playoffs.

https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/1010230976356716544

Wise has shown as a fourth-round pick that he can contribute to this team. He is a very good pass-rusher and can also occasionally be put on run situations. I believe that Wise will make the roster for next season.

Eric Lee #55 (2017-Present):

Eric Lee is entering his second year in the NFL and 1st full season for New England. Lee was picked up by Houston as an undrafted free agent but was later released after the preseason. The Bills picked Lee up and placed him on their practice squad until October. He was picked up by New England in November of that year. Lee played 6 games for the Patriots and had 3.5 sacks and one INT. His only INT came off the team that cut him a month earlier, the Buffalo Bills.

Lee was a good pickup for New England halfway through the season last year. He showed what he brings to the table last year, but will still have to battle to get a spot on the roster.

Geneo Grissom #96 (2015-Present):

Geneo Grissom was actually drafted 14 picks before Trey Flowers in the 2015 NFL Draft. Grissom will be entering his fourth season in the NFL and for the Pats. Grissom has definitely not outplayed Trey over his stint in New England. Over his three year career, he has played only 34 regular season games with only one sack. His best game came against Tennessee in the 2017 playoffs where he had two sacks.

https://twitter.com/DLineVids/status/952697712398426112

Grissom has been a disappointment in New England. I believe he was only kept on the roster last year due to the lack of depth at pass-rusher. Grissom is a candidate to get cut for the upcoming season if he doesn’t show his talent in training camp.

Trent Harris (Rookie):

Trent Harris was picked up by New England as an undrafted free agent from Miami. Harris had a four-year career at the “U” where he played in 44 games. Over that span, he had 15 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss. His senior year he had 8.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.

Harris is a DE/OLB hybrid as he can also cover tight ends and slot receivers. Trent’s best option of making the team is practice squad unless he does something amazing in preseason or training camp.

The defensive end group for New England this year is a major upgrade from last year. With additions like Derek Rivers and Adrian Clayborn, the Pats are bound to make another Super Bowl run.

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.

First Ever BSE Podcast (@alykins32)

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Boston Sports Extra has a Podcast!

Get all your Boston sports news. That’s right, get your Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins, and Revolutions news and information, now in podcast form.

On this Episode Anthony, Zack, and Justin get in deep about where the Red Sox stand at the break and where they can and should move forward from here. And a bonus! Get into the latest Celtics news and what it means for all the pieces that Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens has available. Get it right here for all your unbiased news of your favorite teams.

 

Download the Episode Here!

Patriots Training Camp Preview: Wide Receivers (@bigmike7772)

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There are many new faces on this Patriots team compared to last year. The Pats acquired four guys from trade, fifteen from free agency, and nine from the NFL Draft. They also lost nine players from trade and free agency and had three players retire.

In this new series, I will be looking at every player from each position leading up to training camp. For this part of the series I will take a look at the wide receivers. The Patriots lost two very important wide receivers last year. Brandin Cooks was traded for the 23rd pick in the draft, and Danny Amendola signed with Miami. However, the Pats added three wide receivers via trade, draft, and free agency.

Julian Edelman #11 (2009-Present):

Julian Edelman is the third longest-tenured Patriot beside Tom Brady and Stephen Gostkowski. The 2009 seventh-round draft pick will be entering his 10th season in the NFL and for the Pats. His past few years have not been easy for him though. Edelman missed the entirety of the 2017 NFL season due to a torn ACL in the preseason. After spending a year of rehab, he looked to get back into playing football. Things only got worse for Edelman as he tested positive for PEDs in June. This will lead to a four-game suspension for Edelman in the 2018 season.

Edelman has been one of the best wide receivers for years for the Pats despite his recent problems. He was drafted in 2009 to primarily receive kicks and punts. His rookie year he had 37 receptions, 359 yards and one TD. His next three years he was just a returner with his receiving numbers relatively low. He did have three punt return touchdowns over those three years. 2013 was Edelman’s breakout year after the departure of Wes Welker. He played in all 16 games that year, and had 105 receptions, 1056 yards, and seven scores. His 2014 campaign was good also with him having 92 receptions, 972 yards, and four touchdowns. 2015 for Edelman saw Julian missing seven games due to a broken bone in his foot. Edelman came back with one of his best seasons yet with 98 receptions, 1,106 yards, and three TDs.

Edelman’s Playoff Performances:

Julian has also been the go-to option for the Patriots at wide receiver in the playoffs. In his 11 games started he has had 89 receptions, 1,024 yards, and five touchdowns. He also had a passing touchdown in the 2014 Divisional Round against Baltimore. Edelman has also been great in the two Super Bowl wins. Against Seattle in 2015 he had nine receptions, 109 yards, and the game-winning touchdown. When he played Atlanta in 2017 he had five receptions, 87 yards, and one of the best catches in Super Bowl history.

Once Edelman comes back he will be Tom Brady’s number one option. He is one of the best slot-receivers in the game and will definitely make the roster for the upcoming season.

Chris Hogan #15 (2016-Present):

Chris Hogan has been a fan-favorite ever since he was on Hard Knocks in 2012. He is entering his seventh year in the NFL and third for New England. Hogan played for three teams in two years before signing with Buffalo. Chris played for Buffalo for his next four years of his career. Over the course of those years he has had 87 receptions, 959 yards, and six TDs.

Hogan was a restricted free agent in 2016, and signed with New England on a three-year deal. He fit in right away with the receiving core. His first year with the Pats, Hogan had 38 receptions, 680 yards, and four scores. Chris also had the most yards per catch in the entire NFL with 17.9. In the 2016 playoffs, Chris had his best game of his career. This came against Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game. He had nine receptions, 180 yards, and two touchdowns.

Hogan’s 2017 season consisted of him missing seven games due to a shoulder injury. Before his injury he had 34 receptions, 439 yards, and five TDs. He also had six catches for 128 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl 52 against Philadelphia.

Chris has been a great route-runner over his career and is able to get open easily. With an increased role for next year I expect big things from him. He will make the roster for the upcoming season.

Jordan Matthews #80 (2018-Present):

Jordan Matthews is entering his first year with the Pats and his fifth season overall. Matthews signed a one-year deal with New England in the 2018 offseason. New England is Matthews’ third team in his NFL career. Jordan was drafted by Philadelphia in 2014 before being traded to Buffalo in 2017. In Jordan’s three career years with Philadelphia he had 225 receptions, 2,673 yards, and 19 TDs. His one year in Buffalo saw Matthews have 25 receptions, 282 yards, and one score. Jordan’s lone-year in Buffalo was his worst yet, but he missed the last six games of the season due to a knee injury.

Matthews’ has been a very productive slot receiver. Jordan could be an option to replace Amendola, or he could move outside and play wide-out there. He has also been one of the hardest workers at OTAs as he is usually the first on the field. Jordan will make the roster due to his size, catching ability, and route-running skills as the Patriots are also without Edelman for the first four games.

Malcolm Mitchell #19 (2016-Present):

Malcolm Mitchell is a very bright spot at wide receiver for the Patriots. He was drafted by New England in 2016, and made an immediate impact for the 2016 Super Bowl winning team. He played in 14 games as a rookie and had 32 receptions, 401 yards, and four TDs. Mitchell started to show his potential in Week 9 against San Francisco, where he had four catches, 98 yards, and one score. The following week after his breakout game, he had 5 receptions, 42 yards, and two TDs, including the game-winner.

https://twitter.com/UGAfootballLive/status/800603288735535104

Mitchell’s impact on the team did not stop in the regular season. He was also a major part in the epic comeback against Atlanta in Super Bowl 51. In that game he had six receptions for 70 yards. Mitchell also had five receptions in the fourth quarter and converted them all into first downs.

Malcolm’s 2017 season was odd though, as he was placed on injured reserve in September for a knee injury. There was a lot of talk of him returning for the playoffs, but it never came true. Mitchell is a very young bright spot for the Pats. He will still have to show his worth in training camp, but I believe he will most likely make the roster.

Kenny Britt #85 (2017-Present):

Kenny Britt is a nine-year veteran of the game, and is entering his second season with the Pats. Britt has played for four different NFL teams during his tenure in the NFL. He started his career in Tennessee, where he played five seasons and had 2,450 yards and 19 TDs over that span. Britt then signed with Los Angeles in 2014 and played three seasons for the Rams. He had his best year in the NFL for the Rams in 2016 where he had 68 receptions, 1002 yards, and five scores. After his spectacular season for LA he signed with Cleveland. In Cleveland he only played nine games before getting cut. The Patriots signed him in mid-2017.

Britt only appeared in three regular season games for New England, with him having two receptions for 23 yards. Kenny was inactive for the Patriots postseason run. He has shown in his past what he can do at wide-receiver, but with the depth the Patriots have at the position, he is a likely-candidate to get cut.

Cordarelle Patterson #84 (2018-Present):

Cordarelle Patterson is entering his sixth year in the NFL and his first for New England. Patterson was reportedly an option for the Pats in the 2013 NFL Draft before the Pats traded the pick to Minnesota. Cordarelle was then drafted by the Vikings with the 29th pick, and played four years with them. Over those years he had 132 receptions, 1,316 yards, and seven TDs. He then signed with Oakland and had 31 receptions and 309 yards. After his lone season in Oakland, he was traded to New England for a fifth round pick in the 2018 Draft.

Patterson was highly-touted out of college as a guy who can do everything. He has not shown the player that he was thought to be at wide receiver in the NFL yet. Patterson drops many passes and has lacked route-running ability. However Bill Belichick believes he can unlock his potential when he told Patterson:

“I don’t know what you’ve been through in the past, but basically, we get the job done here. We’re gonna make you the player that you should be.”

Cordarelle is also one of the best returners in the entire NFL. He has returned five kicks for touchdowns in his five years in the NFL. Overall, Patterson could have a breakout year at WR for New England this upcoming season. He also fills a major void at kick returner with the departure of Dion Lewis. I believe that Patterson is more than likely to make the team due to the fact that he has so much potential and is a great kick returner.

Phillip Dorsett #13 (2017-Present):

Phillip Dorsett is entering his fourth year in the NFL and his second in New England. He was acquired via trade before the 2017 season in exchange for QB, Jacoby Brissett. Dorsett was a former first round, but has disappointed so far in his NFL career. He only had 753 total yards in his two years in Indianapolis. In his only season in New England he had 12 receptions and 194 yards.

https://twitter.com/BarstoolUMiami/status/955207016187944962

With Dorsett’s disappointing season with New England, and the amount of depth at wide receiver; Dorsett is a prime-candidate for release.

Braxton Berrios (Rookie):

Braxton Berrios was the sixth-round selection by New England in the 2018 NFL Draft. He immediately was touted as the replacement to Danny Amendola as the slot-receiver. Berrios is a 5’9″ wide receiver who played in every game for Miami the past four years. His senior year consisted him having 55 receptions, 679 yards, and nine TDs in 13 games. Braxton’s Miami career consisted of 1,175 yards, 100 receptions, and 14 TDs.

https://twitter.com/MiamiDieHards/status/916800013392662528

Berrios is already a fan-favorite in New England as he looks to take on the Danny Amendola role. Braxton has a good chance of making the team, but could be placed on the practice squad also.

Cody Hollister #81 (2017-Present):

Cody Hollister is entering his second year in the NFL and for New England. Hollister was an undrafted free agent alongside his twin brother, Jacob Hollister. He was kept on the practice squad for the entire year last year, and saw zero snaps in the regular season. In the 2017 preseason, Hollister only played two games where had two receptions, 40 yards, and a touchdown.

Cody Hollister is a dark-horse to make the roster for the upcoming season, but he would need to do a lot for that to happen. I believe the Patriots cut Hollister, but keep him on the practice squad.

Riley McCarron #17 (2017 Present):

Riley McCarron is also entering his second season in the NFL, and for New England. McCarron did not start his career in New England, unlike Hollister. Riley was an undrafted free agent, and was signed by Houston. He was then released by Houston in September, and picked up by the Patriots shortly after. McCarron spent his entire 2017 season with New England on their practice squad.

https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/994638206078418946

McCarron is a longshot to make the main roster, but if he beats out Berrios and Dorsett he will have a big chance of making it. Riley’s most likely scenario is through the practice squad.

The Patriots have a lot of depth at wide receiver this upcoming season, and they need it. Danny Amendola is gone and Julian Edelman is suspended, so people will have to step up. Brady has a lot of new weapons this year as the Pats gear up for another Super Bowl run.

Patriots Training Camp Preview: Offensive Tackles (@bigmike7772)

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There are many different faces on this Patriots team compared to last year. New England acquired four guys from trade, fifteen from free agency, and nine from the NFL Draft. They also lost nine players from trade and free agency and had three players retire.

In this new series, I will be looking at every player from each position leading up to training camp. For this installment I will talk about the offensive tackles.

The Patriots have had a solid tackle group since Brady took over. The Pats lost a significant o-linemen this offseason, Nate Solder, and will look to replace him with the new guys they brought in.

Marcus Cannon #61 (2011-Present):

Marcus Cannon drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 draft by the New England Patriots. He was drafted as a project and he ended up working out. Cannon was a backup for the beginning of his career for Sebastian Vollmer. In 2012, Marcus played in all 18 of the Patriots games ans started one. He got six starts in 2013, four in 2014, and eight in 2015.

After Vollmer retired, Cannon got the starting job at right tackle. He showed up to the Pats in 2016 in the best shape of his life. He started all 15 games that he played in and was signed to a five-year, $32.5 million contract extension. Marcus was named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2016 and was a key part as to why the Patriots won Super Bowl 51. Cannon played in only seven games in 2017 due to a toe injury and was later placed on the injured-reserve.

With Nate Solder out, Cannon is now the leader of the offensive line. Hopefully he stays healthy next season for the Patriots to make a run for the Super Bowl. He will 100% make the 53 man roster.

Isaiah Wynn (Rookie):

Isaiah Wynn was the Patriots’ 23rd overall in the first draft round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Wynn played four years at Georgia University alongside new Patriots’ RB, Sony Michel. In his freshman year he played in all 11 games for the Bulldogs. He then played in 25 games over the next two years, and solidified himself as the leader of the o-line. Wynn started all 15 games for Georgia his senior year which ultimately brought them to the championship game. Over the course of Isaiah’s college career he has let up only four sacks.

Even though Wynn has shown how talented he is at left tackle, many people put him as a guard leading up to the draft. At only 6’2″ Wynn is very undersized, but makes up for it in outstanding hand placement and footwork. He showed how amazing he is at left tackle at the Senior Bowl where he dominated the defensive linemen.

When the Patriots selected Wynn the ticket they sent in said tackle. This is most likely due to the fact that Nate Solder left this offseason. Isaiah will have to fight to start Week 1, but he will definitely be on the roster.

Trent Brown #77 (2018-Present):

Trent Brown is entering his fourth year in the NFL, and his first with the Pats. Brown was acquired by the Patriots from San Francisco via trade during the 2018 Draft. In Brown’s rookie season he started the last two games and played in six total. His 2016 campaign saw him start all 16 games for the 49ers. Trent gained some praise from Super Bowl MVP, Von Miller in 2017.

“He’s the best right tackle in the National Football League! And he may even be a top-five tackle, period, in the National Football League. There’s not another tackle who’s that tall, that big and can move the way he moves.”

https://twitter.com/VeteranScout/status/916420354871934976

Brown started the first ten games of the 2017 season, but was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Trent Brown is a very big man with him being listed at 6’8″, 355 pounds. Brown is fast for his size though and is able to not only keep up, but excel against the best edge rushers in the league. As a right tackle, Brown most likely won’t start over Marcus Cannon. However, if Brown shows what he can do at left tackle and beats out Isaiah Wynn, he will have a roster spot.

LaAdrian Waddle #68 (2015-Present):

LaAdrian Waddle is entering his sixth season in the NFL, and fourth for the Pats. Waddle was an undrafted free agent in 2013 and was picked up by Detroit. In his rookie season he started eight games. In his next season he started in ten games, but couldn’t complete the season due to knee surgery. Waddle was then cut in his third season for Detroit in December of 2017. He was picked up by New England the day after.

Waddle signed a two-year deal with New England in 2016, but was inactive for all-but two games that next year. 2017 is where Waddle showed he can be a solid option as tackle for the Pats. He was active in 12 games and started in four due to Marcus Cannon getting injured. In the 2018 offseason he re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year deal.

LaAdrian has proven to be an excellent option as a starting tackle in case someone gets hurt. I believe he will make the team due to the fact that he can play at left or right tackle when asked.

Cole Croston #74 (2017-Present):

Cole Croston is entering his second year in the NFL. He was picked up by New England after the 2017 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Croston was kept on by the Patriots as a member of their practice squad for the 2017 season. He only played in three games last year with him, getting his first NFL snaps as a left guard in a 33-8 victory of Oakland in Week 11. Croston was ultimately kept on due to the fact that he can play tackle and guard.

Croston will have to work very hard if he wants to make the 53-man roster. I believe he will make it, but he could also become a member of the practice-squad. However, if the Pats do place him on the practice squad, I wouldn’t be surprised if another team did not pick him up.

Ulrick John #67 (2018-Present):

Ulrick John is heading into his fifth NFL season, and first for the Pats. This is Ulrick’s fifth NFL team since entering the league in 2014. He was drafted in the seventh round by Indianapolis, then got cut. He then got signed by Miami where he only played two games. The most games he has played in a season came from Green Bay where he played in five games. John’s next season was in Arizona where he started all three games that he played in.

Overall, Ulrick has only had three career starts in ten games. He was signed by New England on April 23, 2018, but his chances of making the roster are very slim.

The Offensive Tackle position has had some big names come through since 2001. The Pats look to protect Tom Brady en route to their sixth Super Bowl.

Brady

Top 5 Tuesday: Best Plays From the Patriots 2017-18 Season (@devansh0429)

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The Patriots fell short of their sixth Super Bowl this past season. However, the season did hold some fun and exciting moments.

Welcome to our first installment of Top 5 Tuesday. Today, I will be ranking the best plays from the Patriots 2017-18 season.

5. Brady to Amendola, vs. Jaguars AFC Championship

Magic. That’s honestly the only way to describe what Brady did in the playoffs. Down 20-10 in the fourth quarter, Brady rallied his team with two touchdown drives. The second touchdown was perhaps one of the greatest catches this year. Earlier in that drive, Brady had an amazing throw to Amendola, placing the ball in the perfect and only place he would be able to get it. The connection happened again with Amendola making a beautiful catch in the back of the end zone. To this day, I have no idea how he was able to get his feet in.

4. Harmon Game Winning INT, vs, Steelers Week 15

The Patriots/Steelers rivalry hasn’t been much of a rivalry at all. For the most part, New England has always come out on top. However, this season the Patriots found themselves down late in the fourth quarter. Thanks to Brady and Gronk, they were back on top again. All New England had to do was hold them out of the endzone. After a JuJu Smith-Shuster 69-yard catch-and-run, even that seemed unlikely. Time was running out. Instead of taking the field goal, the Steelers tried to run a fake spike and score a touchdown. It backfired as the ball ended up being tipped and intercepted at the hands of Duron Harmon.

3. Brady to Gronkowski, vs. Bills Week 16

This was honestly just a pure demonstration of skill and the chemistry between Brady and Gronk. The game was a blowout in itself, and this play is icing on the cake.

2. Gilmore’s Tipped Pass, vs. Jaguars AFC Championship

It wasn’t even the Amendola catch that won us this game and sent our Patriots to the Super Bowl. It was this play right here. It’s a fourth down situation and a stop seals the game. Bortles, under pressure, steps up in the pocket and throws it downfield. Gilmore, in perfect coverage, leaps up and smacks the ball out of the sky. Sixty-five million dollars well spent.

1. Brady to Cooks, vs. Texans Week 3

Could Deshaun Watson dethrone Brady and the Dark Empire? Not if the GOAT himself could do something about it. Perfect throw. Perfect catch. Touchdown.

 

Disagree with our list? Let us know in the comments with what plays you thought should be considered.

Follow me on Twitter @devansh0429