Tag Archives: Patriots

Lots of Fake Reporting Going on in Foxborough

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Some False Reporting Going on in Foxborough

Friday was an off day at Gillette Stadium. The team didn’t have practice and Belichick was enjoying the off day in New York City. According to Barstool Sports, however, there were reports that Rob Gronkowski was no longer going to be a Patriot by the end of the day. Another “reliable” source reported that Belichick had a meeting with Kraft about trading Gronkowski. Brady stepped in and threatened to retire if they traded Gronkowski. Needless to say, that was all fake and the meeting never happened.

Gronkowski was going to be possibly be traded in the offseason, according to Tom E Curran of NBC Sports Boston. All of the fake reporting Friday was quickly shut down. The real reporting comes from the beat reporters and people that cover the team. When I said in April Belichick was retiring at the end of the season, I found out from an insider at Patriot Place. There is tension there is drama, but Friday was all nonsense and believing some guy from Attleboro because he has a blue check mark on Twitter. Pathetic.

Tom Brady Wasn’t Going to Retire

Tom Brady wasn’t going to retire after this season. He might have threatened it in the offseason if they traded Gronkowski, however, he wasn’t going anywhere. Why should he retire when Josh McDaniels was returning? There was no meeting on Friday. Maybe there was in the offseason, and Barstool just wanted to break something big. Then other “reporters” wanted to join in on the fun.

As for Tom Brady, he’ll be skipping the rest of OTAs. Don’t expect to see him until Training Camp which begins in July. Brady will probably spend the next month with his family, doing fundraisers, and be traveling the world. He’ll also prepare at TB12. Enjoy all the gossip talk on the radio this week on how Friday was a fake news day in Foxborough.

Jacob Hollister’s Opportunity

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“That’s where a lot of players, I’d say almost all players make a big jump—whether that is reflective in their status on the field, that’s another question. But just from a development as a football player, that second year is a big year. It’s a great opportunity for them to take that first-year knowledge that they don’t have as a rookie and be able to apply it in their job now.”

Bill Belichick.

 

The head coach of the New England Patriots often stresses the importance of making sure that a player is constantly progressing in his skill set and evolving his talents. A player’s biggest jump will be from year one to year two, BB is credited with saying. Many reasons factor into this. Familiarity in the system, a normal player off-season, NFL quality nutrition and strength training, among others.

Opportunity

On the Patriots there is one individual poised to make the most of his opportunity. He is part of a future trivia question: what team had not one, but two sets of twins on its roster and what season? The answer is the New England Patriots and the 2018 offseason. Time will tell if all four of them make the team. But Devin McCourty is a lock, and his brother Jason is not too far behind him. The other twins are a little more obscure. Cody Hollister is a wide receiver who spent his rookie year on the practice squad. His roster spot is always tenuous. The competition for the wide receivers will be fierce during training camp. His brother has a much clearer path.

Making the Most of It

Jacob Hollister already beat out one NFLer for a roster spot his rookie season. Late in camp last year, Jacob won the third tight end spot after the team cut James O’Shaughnessy. Hollister saw action sparingly as Gronk stayed healthy and Dwayne Allen contributed as a good blocker all season long. Tallying only 4 catches for 42 yards, his rookie season was still a valuable learning experience. He is showing up in offseason activities ready to compete.

The Skill Set

The Patriots have him listed at 239 pounds and 6’4″. The reviews from around the latest mini camp are that he has added some really good weight. He worked with Kevin Boss in Oregon to increase his skills as an in-line blocker. The increased familiarity of the system will aid him in his quest for a covered NFL roster spot. He seemed to take advantage of Gronk’s decision to sit out voluntary activities and put himself at the head of the pack heading into training camp.

“I think it’s just becoming reliable and earn the trust of your teammates,” Hollister said. “Obviously, you’ve got to earn the trust of your quarterback and earn the trust of everyone on the team, really.”

And he’s obviously been reading the Patriots manual on talking to the media as well.

The Mission

Carving a role for Hollister is key to making the roster for his sophomore season. Backing up Gronk and being a viable option for three TE sets will go a long way in keeping the offense balanced and the formations complex. The key to this is his blocking ability. If he proves that he can hold his own against the professionals on defense, he’s a lock for the third tight end spot at least. And should Gronk or Allen miss extended time at all, we could hearing his name a lot more this season.

A look into JC Jackson: UDFA Corner Gets First Team Reps

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Well, it’s that time of the year again. Mandatory mini camps started Tuesday for the Patriots, and players are looking to prove themselves to try to secure a roster spot. One of the biggest surprises of OTAs and the mini camps thus far is an undrafted free agent, JC Jackson, starting opposite Gilmore.

Jackson’s College Career

Maryland v Wisconsin

Photo Credit: Getty Images

JC (Jerald Christopher) Jackson began his career at the University of Florida. However, an injury in the 2014 season opener knocked him out for the rest of the year. Eventually, the program dismissed him in 2015 after felony charges for which he was eventually acquitted. Jackson played at Riverside Community College before transferring to Maryland where he played two seasons. In that span, he amassed 80 tackles, four interceptions, and 12 pass breakups (NFL.com).

Jackson’s Game

  • Very physical and aggressive. Impressive response and speed to the curl route shown below.
  • Active and willing in the run game. Does a great job getting off the block and tackling/forcing the back out of bounds
  • Excellent play recognition. Reads the quarterback well. Got off a route to break up to the pass to the receiver cutting to the outside.
  • Mirrors routes well and has the speed to still disrupt the play even if he gets a little behind

 

However, Jackson gets a bit grabby with his hands which can lead to pass interference calls. He also has a problem with consistency. Nonetheless, JC Jackson is a name to keep an eye out in the future when training camp and preseason comes around.

LeBron James Compares Warriors to Patriots

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LeBron James is no stranger to excellent teams and knows one when he sees one. After Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals, James mentioned the Warriors and the Patriots in the same breath, discussing both teams’ mistake-free play.

The Cavaliers are heading into Game 4, one loss away from a sweep. The Cavs know they can’t make any mistakes against the Warriors if a crazy comeback were to happen again. The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have been to the Finals four years in a row, and the Warriors have won two of the last three. With superstars like Kevin Durant and Steph Curry, no one is surprised that they have made it back to the Finals year after year. People have compared the Warriors to many past NBA teams, but James took to football to make a comparison. LeBron noted that playing the Warriors is like playing the Patriots, because you cannot make mistakes against them.

LBJ Press Conference

Number 23 makes a good point. During the Belichick/Brady Era, we’ve seen teams make mistakes against the Patriots that cost them the game. The Malcolm Butler interception, anyone? 

In true NBA Twitter fashion, the New England Patriots’ Twitter account responded with the eyes emoji. James mentioned he is taking a break from social media, so don’t expect to see any social media friendships develop between LBJ and the Patriots. 

2018 NBA Finals

This Cavs/Warriors series could have been a lot closer if it were not for certain errors by Cleveland. All J.R. Smith had to do was know the score and we’d probably be looking at a 3-1 series. And we all know 3-1 leads are hard to keep (Hi, Cleveland Indians and Golden State Warriors). LeBron was clearly, and understandably, frustrated and knows his team cannot continue to make mistakes, especially against a team like Golden State that isn’t, “…going to beat themselves.”

Image result for jr smith lebron didn't know we were tied

LeBron and Boston

With news flying around that James is set to meet with the Celtics, just the mention of another New England team has fans speculating even more. It is a long shot that we will ever see LBJ in a Celtics uniform, many think Boston is on his mind more than fans originally thought. 

Image result for lebron james celtics

Not every Boston fan has expressed excitement over this rumor and many do not want to see “The King” in green and white. We sent out a Twitter Poll to find out what fans are thinking and many voted against LeBron coming to Beantown. Boston fans may never agree on what moves they want the Celtics to make when it comes to LeBron, or anyone for that matter. I’m sure they will agree with 23 when it comes to the greatness of the Patriots.

Tom Brady Speaks

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Tom Brady Speaks to the Media

Via Chat Sports

Tom Brady finally spoke to the media yesterday. According to him, nothing has changed with his relationship with the team and Belichick. He’s having fun and feels appreciated, so the things he said about pleading the fifth to Jim Gray a month ago mean nothing. When Bill Belichick spoke earlier in the week, he also said he’s always had a good relationship with Brady. All this drama and gossip since last October has been blown out of proportion and there’s nothing to see here. Really, however, they are trying not to let it get in the way of their football operation on the field. So saying the right thing would be pushing the drama aside and focusing on what’s more important.

Now with Edelman possibly facing suspension, will Brady show up for next week’s optional throwing camps? Brady said yesterday, “we’re not even through today yet”. Brady also wouldn’t talk about his contract: “I’ve never talked about my contract, I’ve never brought up money for a lot of reasons that I’ve said over the years. Those things are very personal.”

Is Brady Lying?

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

The keyword is personal. Everything about Brady is personal. It’s weird though he’ll tell Jim Gray he pleads the fifth if he feels appreciated by Belichick and Kraft. Then with the local media, he says he has a good relationship with Belichick. Which one is it, Tom? Do you not feel appreciated enough by your coach? Or do you not feel appreciated by your coach? Tom Brady has accomplished a lot in his 18 years here and has won five Super Bowls. Now he’s starting to take this diva lifestyle behind the scenes. Like complaining about Garoppolo being there and his trainer not being allowed in the locker room. Then in front of the camera, he’s acting like everything is good because he doesn’t want the distraction to be talked about on the field.

Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady Had Their Annual Physicals Today

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Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady Had Their Annual Physicals Today

Rob Gronkowski was not only spotted at Gillette Stadium today, but he was also spotted at the Brigham and Women’s Health Center. Gronkowski was there for his physical before mandatory minicamp. Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan both drove themselves to the medical center this afternoon. This comes before the first day of minicamp tomorrow. Tom Brady also had his physical today at the Brigham and Women’s Health Center.

It seems Brady and Gronkowski are all in on this season, even though they skipped the voluntary team workouts. Usually, Gronkowski goes into the Health Center often in the offseason. However,  today was his first appearance there. Both Gronkowski and Brady have been getting treatment with Alex Guerrero. They’ve been at TB12 at Patriot Place all offseason. Tom Brady’s approach to this offseason has been different than years past, putting himself and the family first before the team. Same with Gronkowski, who is rumored to have a new contract soon after complaining he wasn’t getting paid enough indirectly.

Is Everything Back to Normal in New England?

Tom Brady hasn’t spoken to any local media yet about why he skipped the offseason workouts.  It will be interesting to see if he speaks tomorrow. Brady, Gronkowski, and Hogan passed their physicals with no issues. Tomorrow, we’ll see Brady probably with the first team throwing to Gronkowski, Hogan, and Edelman. Danny Etling for the first time will get to see how Brady runs the offense. Etling will probably learn a lot from Brady like Jimmy Garoppolo did.

Bill Belichick will probably speak to the media and say nothing about Brady being there. He’ll just snort and grunt and say the same things he always says. Everyone expected that Brady would be back for mandatory minicamp this week. There are still some questions though that need to be answered by Brady himself. For Brady, Gronkowski, and Hogan to have their physicals today is a good sign that they’ll be ready to go.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski Are Back

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Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski Are in the Building

(Foxborough, MA, 01/13/16) Wide receiver #11, tight end #87 Rob Gronkowski, and quarterback #12 Tom Brady warm up for Patriots practice at Gillette. Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Staff photo by John Wilcox.Relax people- Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have arrived ahead of mandatory minicamp tomorrow. At a charity event yesterday, Gronk said he was going to be attending mandatory minicamp this week. With Brady and Gronkowski missing OTAs, it will be interesting to see how Belichick approaches minicamp this year. Both Brady and Gronkowski attended Fantasy Camp today at Gillette Stadium with the rest of their teammates.

Both Gronkowski and Brady have been getting treatment all offseason long at TB12. The drama between Brady and Belichick really shouldn’t stop them from winning because the AFC is so bad. Josh McDaniels’s return helps, because Brady would rather listen to Josh more than Belichick. Tom Brady will probably be with the first team with the start of minicamp tomorrow.

The Voluntary Workouts Are Over

Teammates didn’t have a problem with Brady missing OTAs last week. They were stressing all along that it was voluntary. Dont’a Hightower said last week, “12 (Brady) is a big part of this team and he means a lot to us in the locker room, but as far as the culture goes, it’s always been next man up. Whether it’s 12, or Gronk, or me missing, or whenever (Jerod) Mayo went down, or (Vince) Wilfork or whatever, it’s always been next man up. That’s the kind of way Bill has built this culture. Whenever the next guy is up, they’re just looking for that next chance and opportunity.
We’re not going to work harder just because 12’s not here or because Gronk’s not here. Dwayne Allen’s doing a great job. Tye’s doing a great job. Niklas is doing a great job. All of these guys are getting those extra reps and getting better and wanting to contribute to this team.”

We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. There are still some questions about how Brady will approach Danny Etling at camp? Will Brady give him the cold shoulder like he did with Jimmy Garoppolo? Or will Brady just realize that his time is coming to an end anyway, and give Etling the reps he needs? Minicamp is a big part of the off-season program. Believe it or not, training camp starts in late July.

Tom Brady Is Doing Things His Way

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Brady Is All About Himself and His Brand

Mandatory minicamp begins next week, and we should expect to see Tom Brady there. Lately, he’s been working out at TB12, traveling to Morocco, throwing a football off a boat, and training with Julian Edelman in the practice bubble. During OTAs, Julian Edelman has practiced with the team and then afterward went to the bubble to work out with Tom Brady. In past years, Brady only cared about the team above anything. Now this year he’s putting himself first.

The Final Curtain Call with Brady and Belichick

Don’t worry though, the Patriots have already punched their ticket to the AFC Championship game because the conference is so bad. They will win another division title, and possibly play in another Super Bowl. Bill Belichick is only talking about the players participating in the OTAs, and not the players who are not participating in the program. Tom Brady is the only quarterback in the league not participating in the OTAs. If this was Peyton Manning, Patriots fans would be up in arms about him not putting the team first. But because Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time, it’s okay for him not to be with his teammates.

Kobe Bryant spoke to the team this week. Honestly, why couldn’t Brady do that? Brady knows what it takes to win, but because Belichick is not happy with Brady’s attitude, he decided to bring in someone else.

Also, it’s clear Belichick isn’t taking in the TB12 meal plan. He was video recorded at a Chick-Fil-A drive-thru and didn’t look happy about being recorded.

It will be interesting to see Brady back with the team starting next week at minicamp. Will he be with the first team, or will he get demoted to the second team because he missed OTAs.  I think Brady will be with the first team personally, and should be fine. Belichick is done at the end of the season anyway, so Brady will be mostly listening to Josh McDaniels.

Robert Kraft : ‘Everything Is Normal’

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Kraft: ‘Nothing to See Here’

Patriots owner Robert Kraft isn’t worried about Tom Brady skipping out on OTAs this year. Kraft according to NFL Network said: “These are voluntary workouts… I think he’s in great shape. I think he’s at an age where he’s blessed to have 3 children, has responsibilities. It’s hard to fulfill those during the season.” Also, Kraft confirmed Rob Gronkowski will be at minicamp in June.” On Brady’s relationship with Bill Belichick, Kraft said, “nothing has changed.” Overall, sportsbooks tend to agree.  Many of them, including NetBet, still have the Patriots as the odds on favorite to win Super Bowl LIII.

Bill Belichick at Tuesday’s Press Conference

However, yesterday Bill Belichick said that he won’t talk about the players that aren’t participating in the OTAs. Belichicks quote on Monday was, “The guys who are here are improving, they’re working hard. Those are the guys we’re going to focus on.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHRZr4T4bR8

Brady’s Comments in 2013 on How the OTAs Are Important

Back in 2013, Tom Brady spoke about how the OTAs are important for preparation. Brady said, “[Bill Belichick] talks about, you think it’s just an OTA in the springtime and it’s not that important and all those things that probably could enter your mind. The truth is, this lays the foundation for the start of training camp and if you have a good training camp, it usually means a good start to the season. A good start to the season leads to good position entering the second half of the season. Everything ends up having some significance to it. You’re not just out here running plays and going through different things that aren’t going to mean anything.

We’re out here trying to get a lot of things accomplished. I think we have done that, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. It’s really never ending, especially when you play for Coach Belichick. Especially in practices when the offense goes against the defense because if the offense makes a play then the defense sucked and if the defense makes a play then the offense sucked so someone is really going to get yelled at on every play. There’s always lowlights when we come in on the next day.

Even if it was a great offensive play, he’s going to yell at someone on the defense. We’ve become a bit used to that now and that’s part of the learning process and also learning how to play for the Patriots and understand the criticism that you’re getting and hopefully use it constructively so you can improve as a player.”

Robert Kraft Is in the Middle

Kraft is sticking up for his player, while also trying to appease Belichick with granting Guerrero limited access to the stadium. Guerrero is not happy about it, which could also be the reason for Brady to not be going to the OTAs. Kraft is basically in the middle of this whole mess.

Cassius Marsh: ‘No Fun in New England’

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Cassius Marsh Didn’t like the Drama in New England

Via Niners NationSan Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh hated being with the New England Patriots last season. Marsh didn’t even enjoy his time just a little bit with the Patriots. Bill Belichick is known for running a tight ship in New England, and some players like it and others don’t. Even with the recent drama with the team, Belichick is still trying to run a tight and strict operation.

Marsh told Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, “They don’t have fun there. There’s nothing fun about it. There’s nothing happy about it. I didn’t enjoy any of my time there, you know what I’m saying? It made me for the first time in my life think about not playing football because I hated it that much.” Marsh also added that he requested to be cut by the Patriots last November.

“I confronted [Bill Belichick] about all the things that were going on. I won’t get into detail, but it was B.S. things they were doing… And so I, basically, without asking to get cut, I kind of asked to get cut… I had confidence that I would have an opportunity elsewhere and I would take advantage of it.”

The Strict Lifestyle in New England Wins Championships

Cassius Marsh, also told Branch, “They asked me to do a bunch of stuff that I had never done: Covering running backs and receivers and basically almost never rushing the passer, which is what I did in playing defensive line.”

After the Patriots released him in November, the 49ers picked him up on waivers. Marsh was upset with the whole Patriots’ operation. Marsh didn’t want to get into the detail of what was going on because it’s already been released. At the end of the day, though, if you don’t like the strict lifestyle of the Patriots, then it’s not the right team for you.