Tag Archives: Patriots

Stephon Gilmore named First Team All Pro

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The Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore was named First Team All Pro by the AP today. The shutdown corner has been worth every penny since arriving in New England last year. Gilmore has proven to be one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL, and is arguably the Patriots MVP this season.

Stephon Gilmore By The Numbers

Gilmore only allowed a 71.8 passer rating, while braking up 20 passes, finishing second in that category. The two interceptions Gilmore had shows that quarterbacks were throwing away from him. Pro Football Focus already ranked Gilmore as the top rated player at his position. The First Team All Pro honor is no surprise, as Tom Brady also had plenty of praise for his teammate on Wednesday. Brady compared Gilmore to some of the greats, saying he is right up there with them. Players like Law, Talib and Revis, two of which are future HOF CB’s.

Gilmore is a shutdown Cornerback


The Price was Right

This is Stephon Gilmore’s second Pro Bowl selection, but his first All Pro honor. Gilmore showed his value all year vs top notch opponents. The wide receivers Gilmore shadowed this year include DeAndre Hopkins, Antonio Brown, Stephon Diggs and Devante Adams, just to name a few. Gilmore raised the level of play from New England’s secondary as well. Jason McCourty and JC Jackson both have stepped up big time, and this secondary looks strong. The Patriots secondary has had some extremely impressive games in 2018 with Gilmore leading the way. The Vikings and Steelers dynamic WRs were no match for Gilmore and company.

Gilmore with the defensive play of the 2017 season

Stephon Gilmore started his Patriots tenure off slow, along with the rest of the defense last year. But as the season went on he improved each week, and made the play of the year breaking up a Blake Bortles pass attempt to finish the Jaguars off. Since that incredible play he continued to emerge as a top tier CB, and now is honored as the Top rated player at his position. The Patriots and fans hope that Gilmore won’t have anything to do with the Pro Bowl this year, as they’re all in for a Super Bowl run.

Brady’s at his best when spreading the ball around

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Who’s the Best Receiver? The Open One

Throughout Tom Brady’s illustrious career he’s always had the ability to find the open receiver, which is always the best option.

The Patriots played the lowly Jets on Sunday, a team that was depleted, and about to fire their Head Coach. Tom Brady looked sharp throughout the game, hitting four different players for TD passes. Phillip Dorsett and Chris Hogan saw an uptick in playing time and targets.

Brady’s Best Option In The Playoffs

The month of January has usually been dominated by Rob Gronkowski. Gronk has not seen his usual targets this season, but now it’s crunch time. He is the NFLs all time leader in targets (111), receiving yards (972) and TDs (12) by a Tight End in the postseason. He’s still a dangerous weapon for the Patriots when targeted.

The Patriots offense in 2018 has looked quite different then what fans are accustomed to. Tom Brady albeit against the Jets showed a glimpse of what’s to come in the playoffs. The key is to get back to what makes him great, spreading the ball around and getting guys involved early.

It’s Time For Everyone’s Best

The loss of Josh Gordon has now opened the door for Phillip Dorsett, Chris Hogan and Patterson. Hogan had 11 targets last week and was an overthrown ball by Brady from having a TD as well. Gronkowski didn’t see many targets again, but he showed everyone he still has gas left in the tank. One player to keep you’re eye on is Phillip Dorsett, he took a backseat when Gordon came to New England. The wide receiver now has a chance to be a big part of a super bowl run. He’s caught 16 passes on 16 targets since October, now that Gordon is gone Dorsett should be seeing more looks from Brady. TB12’s passer rating when throwing to Dorsettt is 120.1 and now the WR is in line for more action. 

Super Bowl Bound

The running backs are also a major part of the passing game, each RB can take it to the house, or catch passes from anywhere on the field. Brady may not have all pro weapons at his disposal, but that’s never stopped the Patriots before. The collection of players at his disposal could make it back to the Super Bowl once again.

My personal thoughts on this offense-spread the football around to everyone, get Gronk involved early. The Patriots Dynasty is far from dead. January is New England’s month, and in February anything is possible.

There’s less Patriots drama going into the playoffs

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The Patriots are in a good place heading into the playoffs

Last season when Jimmy Garoppolo was traded, Bill Belichick took so much heat for it. Now, as we fast forward a year later, the Patriots are going to the playoffs and the San Francisco 49ER’S are watching from home. The notion that Belichick and Brady were at odds with each other stopped after Garoppolo was injured earlier this season. Garoppolo’s season-ending injury ended the rift between Belichick and Brady. It also ended the talk of any off the field drama surrounding the team.

Patriots could host the AFC Championship Game

A year ago the Patriots were going into the playoffs with so much drama off the field. It seemed like more people were talking about relationships than actual football. Fast forward a year later and there are football problems with this team going into the playoffs, which is better than off-field drama. There’s less talent on this team then there was a year ago, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a run. The AFC is wide open. Things could happen and they may host the AFC Championship Game again.

There is talk like last year of Josh McDaniels talking to different teams. But really he’s not going anywhere as long as Brady is the quarterback. He’s keeping his options open, but at the end of the day he’s staying in New England. Now, if Garoppolo had a decent season this year who knows if there would be tension like last year in New England. That is now old news until Garoppolo takes a snap in 2019.

With less drama around the team the focus is now on football and what they can do to be better. Edelman, Dorsett, Hogan, and Patterson will all have to step up. Brady will have to spread the ball around, and Michel and White will make the running game work. Gronkowski can be used as a blocker, as he’s been off all season. Get ready for another great playoff run by the Patriots without the off-field drama.

Playing in Miami has always been tough

The Patriots in the Playoffs

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The Patriots are ready for the playoffs

The Patriots have secured a bye once again in the playoffs.  They beat a no-show Jets team Sunday and really took care of business to secure the two seed.  What people saw Sunday was an offense and passing game that has been missing all season.  We finally saw Hogan and Dorsett get their turn in the offense over someone that didn’t want to be there.  It’s about time, Hogan and Dorsett have been silent all season.  Gronkowski looked off but he has all season, and it’s questionable if he’ll retire when the season ends.

We can say the Jets aren’t a good team and the Patriots didn’t have to try, but really we saw an offense that has been missing.  They don’t need a deep threat or someone that doesn’t want to be there to distract from the players that want the ball.  Dorsett and Hogan came to life yesterday, and hopefully it carries into the playoffs.

They needed the bye because the Patriots have been missing a step.  Brady hasn’t really been himself.  There definitely were some flaws with this team, having a hard time winning on the road.  However, the teams they lost to didn’t make the playoffs so that’s a plus.

They go into this week to rest up for the Divisional Round a week from Sunday.  They’ll get their treatment and be ready to go for whoever they play.  Maybe Gronkowski will be his normal self in two weeks and make something happen.  But look out for Brady to spread the ball around like yesterday, because there’s no distracting player on the team anymore.  The Patriots are the best at handling distractions, and will handle the absence of a distracting player just fine come playoff time in two weeks.

Tom Brady wants to play in 2019 and beyond

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Tom Brady wants to play many more years

Every year at this time we come to question whether or not Tom Brady will play the following year or hang it up. Every year we get the same answer. He’s playing for many more years. He made his point clear to Jim Gray when he was asked if he’s playing in 2019. His lack of production this season could be because of his lack of weapons on offense. With missing key offensive guys like Amendola and Cooks this year, it could be the reason Brady hasn’t looked that great.

Brady will have to be all in

Tom Brady last offseason wanted to spend more time with his family and skipped OTA’s. He took a lot of criticism for skipping the offseason workout program. People thought he should be there because he’s trying to play into his 40’s and it’s not an easy thing to do.  At some point, Brady needs to be realistic as to how many good years he has left. If he wants to play at a high level, there may have to be less family time in the offseason.

The injuries don’t help on offense either. Rob Gronkowski seems not himself this year and is rumored to retire at the end of the season. I like Brady’s confidence that he’s determined to play at a high level at 42 and beyond. He’s said before he wants to play until 45 so that’s three more years to develop a quarterback and build a championship team, so Brady can have receivers to throw to. One bad year for Brady, people will be talking about he’s falling off a cliff. However, there’s nobody with as much confidence as him in sports.

Courtesy of Nancy Lane

If Tom Brady wins the Super Bowl it will be his greatest achievement

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Tom Brady has the chance to make history again

The Patriots have had a roller coaster type of season.  They have lost five games, and all on the road.  That is very rare for this team.  This is now the weakest receiving group since Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney.  That was the 2006 season, when the Patriots lost in the AFC Championship game to the Colts.  Some are even comparing this team to the 2009 team, when everyone was all over the place and not in sync.  After last season, and the loss of Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks, they were missing a deep threat.  They traded for Patterson, and still have Hogan, Dorsett, and Edelman coming back from injury.  Now Tom Brady can lead the way with this group of talent and possibly win the Super Bowl. He needs to remember to focus on his upper back stretches for after the game. We don’t want any injuries this season.

Receivers will have to step up

It’s time now for other guys to step up in big moments.  Chris Hogan, Julian Edelman, and Gronkowski need to have the best games of their careers the last two weeks of the season.  Unfortunately, the teams they play lack stiff competition, but it would be good practice for the playoffs.  Brady is the best at taking mediocre talent, and transforming it into top play-makers in a big spot.  Brady has had a rough year this season, but has the chance to pull something off that he’s never done before.  Win a Super Bowl with less talent on offense than the previous years’.

He can tell the doubters he had that skipping OTA’s wasn’t a big deal.  Taking care of himself is more important, and he has the answers to the test already.  At 41 years old he can be the GOAT he is and lead this team to another Super Bowl.  It’s not going to be an easy task, but it could be done with the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.

Here is why Josh Gordon was on the sideline on final play

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New England has lost its second game in December, the first time since 2002.  The Patriots decided to take Josh Gordon out for the final play of the game.  McDaniels answered questions, and Josh Gordon’s absence on that play was a hot topic.

Josh Gordon Should’ve been on the field on Sunday

4th and Goal

Where was Josh Gordon

The Patriots loss didn’t come down to one single play, but again player personnel was an issue.  After the game Bill Belichick was asked about Gordon’s absence.  The head coach said they opted for Cordarrelle Patterson instead, which didn’t answer anything really.

Patterson is another big, athletic, jump ball receiver.  The answer from Belichick didn’t cut it for me, because having Gordon and Patterson in for the play would’ve made sense.  But that wasn’t the case, Gordon who played 58 snaps compared to Patterson’s 4 were swapped for the biggest play of the game.

McDaniels Explains Gordon’s Absence

The Patriots found themselves in position to tie the game after driving down the field.  The game looked like every other Patriots comeback, until the holding call on second down.  That penalty on second down moved the offense from the 11 yard line, back to the 21 yard line and loss of a down.  The Steelers took a timeout before Tom Brady’s final attempt to win.  Gordon ran to the sideline during the time out and left many scratching their head.

McDaniels wanted fresh legs for the final play?

Via SI.com

Josh Gordon wasn’t made available to the media after the game.  McDaniels said that “the offense had run quite a few plays in a row.”  He Seems to be indicating Gordon was tired.  He went on to say Patterson was sent in as a “fresh guy” to try and make a play.  He stated there is no ulterior motive behind the decision.

Josh Gordon Gives The Patriots the Best Chance to Win

The whole situation is strange, and Tom Brady could have used Gordon’s big catch radius and play-making ability on 4th down.  New England needs to win the final two games of the year, and Gordon needs to be on the field.  Josh Gordon is the teams leading receiver, tied for most TDs, and had quickly become Brady’s go to guy.  The Patriots need to play better on the field, but the play calling and coaching also need to be better moving forward.

 

Is this a repeat of the 2009 season for the Patriots?

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This could be a repeat of the 2009 season

Via SI.com

The Patriots are now 3-5 on the road after the loss to the Steelers on Sunday.  This is the first time since 2009 the Patriots have lost 5 games in a season.  It’s like what Belichick said to Brady in ‘A Football Life’ “I can’t get this team to play the way I want them to.”  He said that after the New Orleans Saints game in 09, and remember they got shelled in the division round that season by the Baltimore Ravens.  The Patriots struggles on the road continue, and Brady looks like he misses the receivers he had last year.

Unusual for the Patriots to lose two in a row in December

The only teams the Patriots have beaten on the road this season are the Bills, Jets, and Bears.  The rest you’re left scratching your head as to why they lost to the Titans, Lions, Jaguars, Dolphins, and Steelers.  Every time they play on the road, that team treats it like the Super Bowl, because it’s the Patriots.  Then the following week they lose because they prepared too much for the Patriots.

I can’t remember the last time the Patriots lost back to back games in December.  Right now is usually the time they play well and not make stupid mistakes.  The Patriots had every opportunity to win that game Sunday and didn’t take advantge of Pittsburgh’s mistakes.  Instead they made mistakes of their own.  The drop passes and interception into double coverage is uncommon for this team, especially in December.  They don’t play a real team until the playoffs start.  The Bills and Jets matchups to end the season are over before they even start.  Not only because the Patriots are home, but the Jets and Bills are terrible football teams.

Don’t expect a Super Bowl run for this team.  As in 2009, they’ll lose in the first round.   Could this be the beginning of the end?  That’s hard to say because of what this team does after having a lousy season.  They rebuild and be better next season.  But at that point Brady will be 42 and who knows if Gronkowski will be on the team.

Running Backs Will Be a Major Factor For This Offense

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Patriots Running Backs Need to Be More Consistent

Michel is important for NEs SB chances

Sony Michel has had great games when healthy this year.  The rookie has been a stud, making opponent’s respect the run game.  Last week in Miami wasn’t the same ground game as we saw against the Vikings. Sony Michel has the talent and football IQ to have great games.  The rookie just needs to be more consistent, weeks 4-6 he was running like a veteran.

New England lost him for a few  weeks after a scary looking injury.  Michel returned in week 10, although limited as the team wanted to be cautious.  He had 11 attempts for 31 yards, and the Pats lost to Tennessee.

New England came out of the bye with Sony looking great, as he rushed for 133 yards on 21 touches and a touchdown.  The last two weeks the Pats featured running back hasn’t eclipsed 65 yards on the ground or a touchdown.

The Running Game With The Return Of Rex

Sony’s Numbers were expected to go down slightly with Burkhead coming back from IR.  The Patriots brought Rex back in week 12, and Michel had his second best game of the year.  Since then, the numbers show that Michel is still getting the same amount of touches as he did weeks 4-6.  The yards and touchdowns haven’t followed.  Sony should get back on track against the Steelers, in a huge game for both teams.

Is Rex resting or still injured?

Rex Burkhead could be a huge playoff addition

Rex Burkhead came back from a long stint on the IR, looking to help the offense.  The hope was to take some pressure off of Michel and James White, since they’ve been overworked most of the season. Rex didn’t play in week 12, while Sony and White ran all over the Jets.  Burkhead’s return hasn’t been what I expected it to be.  Rex has only 11 rushing attempts for 22 yards in two games, with 3 receptions for 24 yards.  The Patriots could be bringing him back slowly, as they know what they’ve got in him from last year.

James White has been the glue, doing his job catching passes out of the backfield, also as the early down back on occasion.

White did have a good day running the ball alongside Michel in week 12, adding 73 yards on just 9 attempts.  This was his highest total of rushing yards of the season.  The following week, White had a great game against the Vikings.  But last week against Miami he had his lowest output of the year rushing and catching the ball.  New England’s on to Pittsburgh, and this running game should get back on track.

The Patriots Run Game Will Be Fine Moving foward

The Patriots have one of the best RB groups in the NFL, and they will need it against a tough Steelers run defefese.  James White and Sony Michel could be used heavily this week to keep Pittsburgh’s potent offense on the sideline.  James White and Sony Michel have been very impressive this year, but because of injury we’ve yet to see both at a high level consistently.  The offensive line, and injuries to Gronk and Dwayne Allen, have also contributed to some inconsistencies in the run game.

Running mates

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

New England is as healthy as it’s been all year, and the Patriots RBs are going to use that to their advantage.  James White and Sony Michel will most certainly be used heavily, since history shows this is when New England starts to lean on the run game.

Rex Burkhead could have a breakout game, or he could still be getting some rest for the home stretch.  Bill Belichick is impossible to predict, especially when it comes to RBs.  Anyone who plays fantasy football knows that.  The Steelers are having a rough stretch as of late, and I expect Michel and White to run all over them.  New England’s RBs will set up the play action pass, and the Patriots will need the run game the rest of the way to be SB contenders.

The Patriots can’t seem to win on the road

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The Patriots have trouble on the road

Playing in Miami has always been tough

Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is pressured by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots not only have issues in Miami, they have issues with winning on the road.  The Patriots losses this season have all come on the road: Jacksonville, Detroit, Tennesse, and Miami.  It’s not like these are good teams either.  They are beatable teams and the Patriots should be able to beat them.  The problem is these teams treat games against the Patriots like it’s the Super Bowl.  They prepare so well for the matchup with the Pats, then are terrible the following week.  It’s like teams are out to get them.  The defense doesn’t play well on the road either.  They need to or it’ll be a short playoff run.

The defense has been inconsistent all season

The defense at home has 15 sacks, while away they have nine. They also allowed 14 touchdowns at home and 12 on the road.  Not much of a difference there.  Finally, the defense has six interceptions at home, and eight on the road.  That proves the defense really hasn’t been playing well all season,  regardless if it’s home or away.  But to hold the Vikings to ten points one week, then let the Dolphins score almost every time they got the ball in the first half the next week, doesn’t make sense.

The real test will be Pittsburgh this week.  If they lose this week it could be a factor for the number two seed.  The number one seed, of course, is out of the picture after the debacle in Miami.  They need to win on the road if they want to go to the Super Bowl again.  The way they’ve been playing all season, and the mental toughness questions surrounding the defense, might make that a tough task.  Doesn’t mean it’s not possible, but they would have a better shot if they were home.