Tag Archives: Patriots

Goodbye Number One Seed in the AFC

The Patriots will not be getting the number one seed in the AFC

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 are 16-38 all-time in Miami and can’t seem to ever get a win.  This loss for the Patriots is one of the top losses on the season.  With the loss today you can say goodbye to the number one seed in the AFC. Kansas City beat Baltimore today, and holds a two-game lead in the conference.  The Patriots seem to struggle a lot defensively, especially on the road this season.  Last week they just held the Vikings to ten points, but in today’s game every time New England scored, Miami would score quickly. Also, the missed field goals need to stop.  Losing on a play like that to end a game is something you never see.  I haven’t seen that since playing Madden.  No excuse for why you can’t make the tackle.

The Patriots need to work on mental toughness as a team

Now they just made it harder for themselves to get a bye in the AFC Conferene.  They will play the Steelers next week in a big matchup, then finish with the Jets and Bills. Kansas City isn’t losing the rest of the season so the hope that the Patriots would host the Chiefs in the playoffs is gone.  Gronkowski, Edelman, and Gordon looked good.  And finally some life out of Patterson. But that defense is scary, and if people think they can beat Kansas City at Arrowhead it’s not going to happen.

You rarely see a Belichick team lose a game that could risk getting them the number one seed. Gronkowski talked about his mental toughness and the team’s after the game.  Their mental toughness has been in question all season for some reason.  Gronkowski seemed to finally be back on track today but it wasn’t enough.  They just can’t win in Miami for whatever reason.  The defense ranks 9th in points, 22nd in yards, 24th in passing yards, and 13th in rushing yards.

Patriots-Dolphins Preview

The Dolphins’ Home Field Advantage

The way this Patriots team is built and the fact that the Dolphins’ best player, Xavien Howard, is out for the game will help Josh Gordon the most. The one issue is the game is in Miami, a place that always gives New England trouble.

Playing in Miami has always been tough

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Just in the past 5 years, the team is 1-4 in Miami. Historically the Patriots have not played well at Miami Gardens. The temperature is also expected to be relatively high too which may affect the game as well. The loss in Jacksonville is an example of the heat playing a factor against New England.

Bill Belichick won’t use the weather as an excuse, but we all know since 200, the Patriots have struggled in the heat. Former Patriot Tedy Bruschi said as much on ESPN when asked about why this team struggles in Miami.

Built for Success

The Patriots right now are just built for success. They are extremely healthy, have top 10 players in many categories including one of the best cornerback duos right now. Stephon Gilmore is questionable although Is likely to play, as he flew with the team for this matchup. The Patriots should be able to come out of this with a win. Look for Sony Michel and the running backs to have a big day.

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

New England should look to set up the run game early, using all three backs. Rotating the running backs will keep them from cramping up and running out of steam from the heat. Tom Brady will be able to take advantage of the injury riddled Dolphins. The running game will set up  play action passes, and more defenders in the box.

Patriots-Dolphins Prediction

The Patriots come in as heavy favorites despite recent history, and I don’t think it will be a blowout. Miami has played well at home this year, at 6-6 they will be looking for revenge from week 4. The rash of injuries to this Dolphins team, along with New England coming in almost at 100% will be the difference today. Not the heat.

The Patriots are really starting to look better on offense, defense and are only missing one player. The Patriots will win the AFC East again today, for the 10th year in a row. The players will get up for this “hat and T-shirt game” as they continue to try and get that number one seed.

(Patriots 28 Miami 17)

Brady and Gronk-Both Back at Full Strength

Good News In New England on Thursday

The Patriots had a good practice yesterday, as Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were both removed from the injury report.  Tom Brady has been dealing with a knee injury, and has been limited at practice.

Rob Gronkowski has been fighting through ankle(s), and a a very concerning back injury. The future HOF Tight End has had back issues dating back to his college days, involving multiple surgeries.

Patriots Superstars Not Held Back In Thursdays Practice

Full participants

Via USA Today

The two Biggest Game-changers on the Patriots have been practicing, but both have been limited and listed on injury reports.  Thursday was a nice change of pace for the team and the fans, as both superstars were Full Participants.

Tom Brady’s participation has always been important, although Patriot fans have always known nothing would stop him from playing that week.

The Patriots can always count on Brady, but today’s news that he is completely off the injury report as a Full Participant is great to see.

Getting Healthy at The Perfect Time

Rob Gronkowski has been fighting through injuries his entire football career, this season in particular has been frustrating for him.

Unlike his quarterback, whenever Gronks name shows up on the injury report, the Patriots need to prepare as if he may not play that week.

Gronkowski’s back-Not holding him back this week

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The news that both players were full participants today is noteworthy, as New England is looking to clinch the division Sunday.

New England’s track record against Miami away from home has not been great during the Tom Brady era.  The Dolphins always play them tough, the Patriots can’t afford to drop a game in Miami as they often have.  New England is currently the number 2 seed behind KC, with the tiebreaker on their side.  So a win Sunday is very important if the Pats want home field throughout the playoffs.

The Number one seed is wide open in the AFC

The Number one seed

December is a great time of year in the NFL.  The Patriots could possibly get the number one seed in the NFL even though their star players aren’t playing at 100 percent.  The Kansas City Chiefs have a bit of a distraction with the release of running back Kareem Hunt.  The Chargers came back in the fourth quarter to beat the Steelers and the Patriots can waltz to the number one seed with no problems.  It’s amazing how a team like the Patriots can have an average season and still get the number one seed in the Conference.

The Patriots could still get the number one seed

The Patriots play in Miami Sunday, then it’s the Steelers, Jets, and Bills.  They don’t play well in Miami but the Dolphins will find a way to lose the game.  Then the Steelers, they seem to lose games for themselves lately too.  Pittsburgh completely choked last Sunday night against the Chargers and history will repeat when the Pats play them in two weeks.  The Jets and Bills should be layups and easy wins.  It’s a no-brainer the Patriots have the easiest path to the number one seed.

The Chiefs have a difficult schedule for the next two weeks.  They play the Ravens on Sunday which should be a win for them but then have a quick turnaround and play the following Thursday night against the Chargers.  Those Sunday then Thursday games are tough for obvious reasons, it’s hard playing two games in a week with little or no practice.  Then it gets easier with the Chiefs playing the Seahawks and Raiders to close the season.

The Chargers last four games are the Bengals this Sunday, then Thursday against the Chiefs, and the last two are against the Ravens and the Broncos.  The game of the season for the Chargers and the Chiefs is next Thursday.  Both teams will be tired but it’s a win for the Patriots.  Teams, in general, find ways to lose games to give the Patriots the perfect opportunity for the number one seed.  The Chiefs could lose one more game and the Patriots could get the number one seed which is huge for the potential AFC Championship game be in New England.

Is this the last season for Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski in the NFL?

Will this be Gronkowski’s last season?

We’ve reached December in the NFL season. The playoffs are right around the corner. For the Patriots, they’ve only lost four games in the month of December since 2001 that’s an insane stat. Tom Brady still performs at a high level even though he’s 41 and never misses any games. If there’s a chance he’ll play he’s going to. As for the tight end Rob Gronkowski that’s a different story. He’s been on and off the injury report this season with his ankle and back. An ESPN report on Sunday said he’s not happy with the Patriot way again. Could this be his last season?

Questions about Gronkowski’s future

Via Boston Globe

We heard this last year around the same time. The tight end was contemplating retirement and wanted to possibly be looking at an acting career after the Super Bowl. However, he announced he would be back after the motocross press conference in April talking about dirtbikes. Gronkowski got an incentive-based contract for 2018 and so far he’s not reaching it.

Injuries have always hindered him

Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during pregame warmups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The guy is so big, he’s hard to bring down and it takes him a lot to prepare his body for games. Last season, he started going to TB12 for treatment which seemed to help, but he’s still injury prone. He’s had back issues since he’s been in the league, but one more big hit could be the end of his football career.

Rumors are swirling that he could be done at the end of the season. In my opinion, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did retire. He’s got two Super Bowls, played with the best quarterback of all time, and was a huge asset to the Patriots offense.

Josh McDaniels isn’t going anywhere

Josh McDaniels isn’t going anywhere

(Houston, TX, 02/05/17) Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Josh McDaniels before Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on Sunday, February 05, 2017 Staff photo by Matt Stone

Josh McDaniels came back to the Patriots because rumors were that he would be the next head coach. It was rumored that Belichick was leaving at the end of the season but things may have changed. Belichick doesn’t seem to be doing anything different like it’s his last season. He still prepares the same, the press conferences are the same, and how he coaches during the games. As for McDaniels, there’s no way he’s going anywhere especially if Brady is still on the team.

Rumors are coming out about McDaniels interested in a head coaching job

Rumors are swirling that Josh is thinking about other head coaching jobs around the league. The teams are the Browns, and the Packers which are the most talked about. For the Browns, you have a decent quarterback in Mayfield, but they have a terrible general manager who wants to interview a former secretary of state with no football experience. No way Josh would go there. As for the Packers, you have Rodgers who really is coming to an end of his career. Like Brady, why would he leave an organization with a veteran quarterback to coach another veteran quarterback? It makes no sense.

It’s been reported that Brady had a part in bringing McDaniels back to the Patriots. He’s used to Josh and likes how he calls the game. He’s also had success with him at this point in his career and doesn’t want to get used to another offensive coordinator. Now some may say that is selfish of Brady, but honestly, he’s the only player that has the right to say anything. Brady is the only player that is bigger than the team and Kraft made that clear choosing him over Garoppolo. I still believe McDaniels will be the next head coach of the Patriots, but it may not be next season like it was predicted.

Brady Passes Peyton For Another All-Time Record

Tom Brady Breaks Another Record

Tom Brady continues to solidify himself as the GOAT. The 41 year old quarterback is breaking records on a regular basis, last Sunday he added his name to another one.

Brady took over as the All Time leader in passing yards in (regular season and postseason games.) The MVP passed Peyton Manning for the top spot in Sunday’s win over the Jets.

The record breaking pass went to Sony Michel, a running back who is still working on his pass catching. Brady got that out of the way in the second quarter, finishing the game with 283 yards. The Patriots quarterback now sits alone with 79,416 total yards, but Tom just cares about the win. After the game Brady was asked about the newest record.

“Just wins” Brady said, “ I mean that’s what we are here for, to win games. I’m trying to be a part of as many of these as I can.” No surprise Brady deflected questions about his own record, He ended his answer saying, “I’m just here to win.”

Brady Passes Manning as the All Time Passing leader

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Every Week Another Record is in Trouble

Brady also tied Peyton Manning on Sunday as he reached 3,000 passing yards for the 16th time. He is now second in NFL history, behind Brett Favre who reached 3,000 yards 18 times. Tom will easily break that record too, as long as he can stay on the field for three more years.

Tom can pass Peyton Manning again this Sunday, as another regular/postseason stat is up for grabs. One touchdown pass from Brady on Sunday will make him the All Time leader in combined TD passes.

TB12

Via Nj.com

Tom Brady already has the Super Bowls, the postseason records, and now is finishing off the rest of the regular season records. Of course he won’t play forever, but in the meantime no record is safe. Brady isn’t in it for these records though, right now his focus is all about his favorite ring. “The next one” number six!

 

 

BREAKING: Burkhead is Back

Rex Burkhead Is Back

New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead has been added to the 53 man roster on Monday. Burkhead has been on injured reserve since September 26th, after playing in just three games. He started two of the three games before his injury, rushing 24 times for 86 yards. Burkhead also caught three passes for 31 yards. New England released offensive lineman Matt Tobin, making room for the dual-threat running back.

Running Back play has been the difference through 11 Games

Photo Courtesy of ESPN

Burkhead is Back on the 53 man Roster

The Patriots announced the good news a day after the team rushed for 215 yards, as White and Michel both had career highs. The running game has been important this season. The Patriots’ eight wins came with an average of 136 rushing yards per game. New England’s three losses have come with an average of just 70 rushing yards. New England seems to be getting healthy at the perfect time, as Shaq Mason returned to the offensive line, as well as Rob Gronkowski. Both players contribute to the ground game in a huge way, and it showed Sunday in a win over the Jets.

Rex Provides Much Needed Depth

The Patriots came into this season wanting to have a stable of running backs, rotating guys in keeping everyone fresh. Unfortunately, that is not what happened, but now with Sony, Rex and White, the Pats have some depth. The addition of Burkhead will take some of the beating off of Michel, while James White can settle back into his dominant role.

It took a while for Burkhead to recover from his injury.  A great way to help recover and build muscle is with clenbuterol for sale.  It helps add additional muscle bulk and improve strength.

Rex Burkhead is on the roster for Sunday’s game against the Vikings, we will have to wait and see if he gets in the game. Bill Belichick has always preached that the season starts after Thanksgiving. New England is now primed to run the table, and get the 1 seed.

Photo courtesy of The Boston Globe

Duel threat out of the backfield

The Patriots now have three versatile hard-nose RBs to play with, along with James Develin at fullback.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, I am thankful for Family, Friends and the Patriots, as I’m sure you feel the same way.

 

Boston versus New York rivalry isn’t the same in football

Boston versus New York doesn’t have the same meaning in football

The Patriots travel to play the Jets on Sunday afternoon. The 7-3 Patriots are coming off a bye week after getting pummeled by the Titans in Tennessee. The history of the Patriots and Jets isn’t the same obviously as the Red Sox and Yankees. For one thing, the Jets aren’t that good of a football team. They can’t seem to get it together and get crushed by the Patriots almost every time they play them. With the Red Sox and Yankees, both teams are good and the rivalry is always intense. Those games are primetime and usually come down to the last minute. With the Patriots and Jets, it’s sometimes not even close and it’s over by the first half.

The Patriots and Jets don’t have hype around the games they play against each other.

Devin McCourty is looking forward to going down there on Sunday saying, “When we go down there, it’s not many Patriots fans in there. If they are in there, you probably don’t want to be too loud in that stadium because the Jets fans will get rowdy. It’s a lot of fun.” The Patriots don’t lose back to back games often and after a bye, they’ll be ready to go. Rob Gronkowski will be back after an extended time off due to injury so he should be ready to go.

The Patriots are 61-54 all-time against the Jets. At MetLife Stadium the Patriots are just 4-3 but again the hype between those two teams isn’t there. Despite the Patriots struggles on the road this season, I really don’t see them losing to the Jets – not with again having extra rest and time to prepare. The only great rivalry between Boston and New York is Red Sox versus Yankees. The other three leagues don’t have the same hype.

 

Max Kellerman – “Tom Brady has a wet noodle for an arm right now”

Tom Brady’s Camped out On Max Kellerman’s Cliff Watching Game Film

Tom Brady has been the focal point of Max Kellerman’s ridiculous career. Kellerman started out with a bang, saying “Tom Brady would be a bum in short order.” I’m not sure what his issue is with Brady, maybe Tom didn’t shake his hand at an event? Who can forget Max’s prediction that Brady will fall off a cliff. I’d like to remind Max Kellerman that those ignorant claims came on July 25th, 2016. Yes July of 2016. Max made two predictions. One was just ignorant, while the “cliff” comment was just not smart. Tom Brady has made him look foolish and ignorant.

Patriot fans all know that the days of Tom Brady dominating won’t last forever. He hasn’t played great in a couple games, but we’ve seen this movie before. Brady’s been part of a 6 game winning streak in 2018. He’s led this offense by scoring over 30 points per game for four weeks straight, tying an NFL record. I’m not a quarterback guru or a boxing commentator like Max so what do I know? Here is Max getting schooled by everyone on First Take. He actually said, “Brady finally did something,” speaking about the first game of 2018 and quickly got ripped apart.

After the first game of the 2018 season, Kellerman was laughed at by Steven A Smith, Damien Woody, and Molly Querim for not owning up to being wrong about the “cliff.” It’s quite apparent to everyone Brady has performed better at his age than anyone before him. It’s clear Kellerman the “TV personality” was way off, but enough about the cliff. After a couple subpar games and a single loss, let’s see where Max takes it now.

“A Wet Noodle For An Arm”

Kellerman’s latest hot take is now going after Brady’s arm. I don’t remember hearing much about this during the Pats win streak, but I’ll play along. Sure the last three weeks Brady hasn’t played like his usual self. He has 1 TD in 3 games. Two wins and a loss, and the loss is why this annual “Brady’s Done” take circulates through ESPN.

Brady’s arm is fine

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

As I watched the Patriots lose to Tennessee, I didn’t see the MVP, Tom Brady. I did, however, see that Marcus Cannon was out, the offensive line was banged up. I saw Brady trying to work with what he had, or didn’t have. Max Kellerman said, “Tom Brady has a wet noodle for an arm.” Max has been waiting for Brady’s demise since he started on ESPN’s morning show First Take. Max saw a “wet noodle arm” but completely ignored Tom Brady’s surroundings. Brady and the offense against Tennessee was a bad matchup from the start. Brady didn’t have his best game, but his arm strength was no concern.

Look At What TB12 Is Working With MAX

Max has no leg to stand on now that Brady has played well past his “expiration date.” I watched every snap of the Tennessee game, and I’d bet my house that Max did not. Like I said Brady didn’t play great, but instead of claiming he’s washed up, take a look around him.  I remember numerous passes hitting receivers in the hands, his arm wasn’t the problem.

Rob Gronkowski did not play, he is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. Brady had no protection as the offensive line was missing its best players. Dwayne Allen was in and out of the game which hurt the line even more. Brady’s weapons were not healthy, Sony Michel was limited coming back from a knee injury. Josh Gordon was targeted 12 times and had 2 receptions and multiple drops. Brady didn’t play well, I’ll admit that, but I’m not blind. With no tight ends, no protection, and a limited running back, who could’ve played well in that game?

New England had a bad day, it happens to everyone. Sorry, Max, it’s not the defense winning these games, that’s obvious. Kellerman’s latest hot take is nothing more than another ridiculous comment from a boxing commentator, who maybe should stick to boxing. Sunday, the Patriots will be back from their bye week. Tom Brady is going to come out on fire for the rest of the season, and Kellerman will be eating his words again.