Pats Propaganda

Football is really important to him — I can’t tell you how many nights we got out of here late, and we thought we were the last ones leaving the facility and it turns out he’s still around watching film” Banks said of Buchanan. “I believe his best football is ahead of him, and he’s going to an organization where what he learned can be put to great use. “I think the thing that stands out the most for me is his work ethic, combined with a tremendous ability of ability. You don’t see that in many kids. We knew he was a good player, but we had no idea how hungry and how hardworking a kid he was.

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—	It Is What It Is » Bill Belichick made no secret of his interest of his interest in Michael Buchanan

I learned a lot about myself last year,” he said. “I know about my strengths and my weaknesses, and that’s some of the things I’m working on now and trying to get done in training camp, minicamp, before the season.

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—	Hightower braces for second season - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Despite the diagnosis, the agent claims that Love will be able to do the job asked of him in training camp if/when he lands with another team. Though that last part is debatable – it’s hard to imagine a person with Type-2 diabetes being advised that maintaining a weight of 315-plus pounds is in his best interests health-wise – one thing that’s not up for debate is that the defensive tackle spot in New England is going to look very different in 2013.

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Tackling the Patriots defensive line depth

One thing I’ve hit on a bunch this offseason was upgrading Love for a better get-upfield tackle, and now the Pats don’t have a choice to make a change at the spot. Of all the spots on the defense I think getting improved production against the pass from that tackle spot next to Wilfork is the fastest way to improve the defense overall.

Bill Belichick Coach of The Decade (by patriotsfootballplc)

Brady % of Receptions Lost from Previous Season

Patriots defensive DVOA against different types of receivers. TEs and slot receivers killed them, with running backs just behind them.

Patriots DVOA rankings over the past 12 seasons.

The offensive side of the board certainly looks pretty green, eh? That will be put to the test this season.

And check out the Patriots run defense this past season after two down seasons. It’s strange because everyone remembers Ray Rice’s first play touchdown run in the 2009 AFC Wild Card. But they were significantly worse in 2010 and 2011, primarily because of runs against their sub-defense.

AFC minicamp storylines - NFL.com »

New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski’s forearm is the key story to monitor. If antibiotics successfully eradicate his infection, he could be ready for training camp. If another surgery is required, his status could be in jeopardy for the season opener. … The primary position battle is at wide receiver, where second-rounder Aaron Dobson and fourth-rounder Josh Boyce attempt to make headway against an underwhelming group of veterans such as Donald Jones, Michael Jenkins and Lavelle Hawkins. … Keep an eye on Shane Vereen’s increased role in the backfield.

Kyle Arrington Looks Ahead (by ESPN)

“The icing on the cake was he’s going to come over and babysit a few times,” Arrington, who will now wear 25, said with a laugh.