PatsPropaganda

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Clare Cooper

Draft Prospects: Tight End

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This year the wide receiver depth seems a lot less than the previous few years. Just a couple of guys projected to go in the first round, however, as you are probably aware the one skill position that seems to have depth, the best in a decade in fact, is the tight end one. It really is a serious, athletic filled, draft class this year. 

You lovely lot didn’t actually think there was going to be a draft with so many tight ends, and I wasn’t going to cover it?!? Don’t worry, I’m just going to give you a little taste of what there is because I know you aren’t all quite as enthusiastic as I am. But there are some (maybe!) later round tight ends that the Patriots might target to fill the cupboard for the future.

Generally, first round tight ends haven’t worked out quite to the expected level. The most recent one is Kyle Pitts, selected fourth overall in the 2021 NFL draft. Now, I fully appreciate he has talent and athletic ability but he didn’t catch my eye for some reason and he hasn’t quite performed to what was expected from those that championed him.

Thus, many Patriots fans are rather against that first round selection for a tight end, and that’s fully understandable. Even I, a tight end enthusiast, is swaying towards a later round kinda guy. For me the top need is tackle, tackle, tackle, oh and a large cornerback too! Besides, how can I judge when I am tainted with superstition to not take a wide receiver in the first round, following a certain 2019 first round draft selection, even if it was the 32nd pick. 

Anyways, moving along!

Michael Mayer of Notre Dame is my draft crush but deep down I know he won’t be a Patriot. Dalton Kincaid and even Darnell Washington may be a little “too rich”, but with such a cacophony of athleticism, later round selections could still have some serious promise in a position that really is a difficult one to play in this sport today.  

With players draft stocks moving up and down, particularly following the combine and pro days and also the team visits, it is becoming increasingly tricky to assess the round in which a guy may go. But, to that end I have selected a few names that may be possibly a little more realistic for the Patriots. 

Sam LaPorta is a solid framed, 6’ 3.5” versatile pass catcher with a powerful looking lower body out of Iowa. 

Luke Schoonmaker, is a name I am hearing more and more, which worries me as he may become too much in demand for the Patriots! From Michigan, a tall, lean built, inline Y tight end with the room to add weight, Schoonmaker is good in the run game and whilst not necessarily dynamic, he shouldn’t be overlooked as playmaker.

Tucker Kraft of South Dakota State may not be unfamiliar to you either. The surname is a big one in New England, and this 6’ 5” combination tight end has good body skills and acceleration. Clocking up a 7.08 second three cone drill, this big guy is smooth. 

Brendon Strange, Penn State’s own, is perhaps more of a developmental player than those mentioned above. A great blocker on the outside, good hands and his sledge work at the combine warranted a nice job in the Clazzy Clare tightendage notebook! Plenty of strengths when it comes to blocking and the run game, Strange has a few problems with drops, his pass catching and route running need sharpening up. A solid 6’ 4” good tight end that would benefit from a year of developmental time behind say two starter veteran tight ends?

Whichever type of tight end takes your fancy, this draft class is almost dripping with them, I just hope the Patriots pick one!

Tight Endage!! Unisex T-Shirt

The Combine Cometh!

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from the notebook of Clare “Clazzy Clare” Cooper

Firstly, I just want to give a big thank you to everyone who reads my work and supports Pats Propaganda. I have been writing for this fabulous site for over two years now, two years on Tuesday 7th March, and I am so blessed to be able to do so. So, a huge thank you to YOU who is reading this, as well as my awesome colleague (and buddy) Tom Shaw-Mellors, and the founder and chief Mike Dussault. I appreciate you all!

And so, another combine has wrapped up, pro days on the horizon, but many of us are still chewing over the tape, reading the statistics, and checking the interwebs for highlight reels in order to get our draft prospect fix. 

Now, I know many may say that the combine is just a media event and the teams have no real value to it, and whilst that may be somewhat true, there is still plenty to champion, especially as a fan for the event that is held near St Elmo’s with its fabulous shrimp cocktail (as I have been told, I am yet to sample personally). 

The interviews and medicals are something that I have heard have value for the teams, and this makes complete sense, and the interviews are what the sports media roll up to Indianapolis to indulge in. 

But, the 50 hours of “on field” coverage is what the fans get when they turn on their televisions, and whilst that’s a lot for a small brain like mine to contend with, it is great to be able to find the player classes that you are most interested in, and spend some time doing that eyeball testing. 

I fully appreciate that the combine is only a sample of what these players can do, but for someone who doesn’t watch much college football, and has never been shy in admitting that I don’t, mostly for access reasons, having the opportunity to see these players “in the flesh” is definitely of an advantage. 

You can make reasonable assessments from an individual’s performance, and you can also make those “gut feeling” choices that may come back and severely bite you in the behind when the guys absolutely sucks, but hey that’s half the fun… Right?

I am rarely shy in admitting my draft crush (I am shy generally, but not when it comes to that!) and if you are a regular reader or listener of my work, you will be able to confirm as such. To me, a draft crush is that “gut feeling” one, not necessarily the sensible one, or the one that fits your team the best, it’s the one that you’re just like “Oh I want that guy!!”. 

It will not surprise you that my draft crushes are pretty much always tight ends, what can I say folks, I like to live up to the nicknames I have been given. 

However, the Patriots have significant needs, and the two that most of Patriots Nation agree with are offensive tackle and cornerback. 

The only thing is… free agency happens before the draft, and there appear to be a few rather decent names suddenly potentially available. Does that mean that with the number one pick in the 2023 NFL draft the Patriots may not need to take a tackle? 

Whilst there is a potential for that, and I am so looking forward to bringing you a bit of free agency fun soon, lack of depth at that position really hindered the Patriots in 2022, and so, even if it isn’t number 14, I am pretty darn certain we will be hearing “and the Patriots pick *insert name and collage* offensive tackle”. 

But to that end, I thought I’d give you a sneaky peak at the names of some of the top offensive tackle draft prospects, and how they faired at the combine, should you so fancy.

First off is the one who seems to have plenty of controversy around him, because of… an inch. Yes folks, Peter Skoronski has 32 1/4 inch arms which is, reportedly, short for a tackle. However, he is an exceptional player who lined up as a left tackle for three years at Northwestern. Rashawn Slater, who plays left tackle for the LA Chargers, has been proving this size “requirement” wrong for a season. And with the wealth of experience Skoronski has, it does feel a little crazy to miss on a proven quality player because of, about this ___________ much. 

For the sake of stats, I can advise the NFL has Skoronski running a 5.16 seconds 40 yard dash, bench press of 30 reps, a 34.5 inch vertical jump and a 7.8 second three cone drill. And from the notebook of one Clare “Clazzy Clare” Cooper, I can confirm: nice strong base, big guy, nice footwork on the fold block, versatile, NICE.

The next two prospects are both much larger athletes, but are a lot lighter on experience than Skoronski. 

Paris Johnson Jr of Ohio State comes in at 2 inches taller and with arms almost 4 inches longer, but with only one year experience at left tackle. Johnson didn’t undertake many of the drills at the combine, bench pressing 29 reps is pretty much all that I can report. 

Broderick Jones from Georgia drops size wise in between Skoronski and Johnson with 34 3/4 inch arms. His NFL combine results were a 4.97 seconds 40 yard dash (!) and a 30 inch vertical jump. The “Clazzy Clare” note book can confirm: Wave drill: wide base, legs wide – athletic – nice!, good feet, good athleticism. And my personal favourite: DISPATCHED the coach wearing the pad in the screen drill, threw that guy outta the club!

So there you have it you lovely lot, a sneaky glance at the combine! Keep your eyes on us for more content, and also listen out for a special episode of A Clare Perspective, a Patriots podcast that delves into a few behind-the-scenes bits of the NFL combine, coming soon!

The Patriots conclude the season with an emotional loss at Buffalo

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(Photo by Chris Unger)

As the Patriots 2022 season comes to a close, it is difficult not to reflect on what might have been. The craziness of the game in Las Vegas, the almost win against the Bengals, those poor officiating calls that pulled the legs out from under the Patriots, I could go on, but I won’t. 

What you lovely lot are here for today, is the game recap against the Bills in Buffalo, and so that is what I shall bring you, and with it, hopefully a little hope!

Or at the very least, a smidge of positivity!

It may have been his last game as a Patriot, (wow, it’s really dusty in here today…) but Devin McCourty proved, even if he is a little older and a little slower, he still knows how to read a field with his end of the first quarter knock away in the end zone, preventing the Bills from a touchdown. Oh, then there’s the end of the second quarter interception, and that early third quarter fumble recovery!

Names I continue to use in these recaps are the likes of Matthew Judon, Joshua Uche and today I add to that Jahlani Tavai, with some great tackles and his great read to tip the ball at the two minute mark of the first quarter. 

Whilst the defense has been the strength of this team this season, a sentence I’m glad I don’t have to pay for as I am sure I have used it a-plenty, this game had the offense show up a lot more than we have witnessed in many weeks. Unfortunately, it was the special teams department that was the weakness this Sunday, allowing the Bills to return two kickoffs for touchdowns.

However, I am attempting to stick with the positive on this ‘Monday after the day before’.

We saw Jakobi Meyers make another great air catch with beautiful control mid first quarter, not to mention a touchdown!

DeVante Parker had a great game with two receiving touchdowns, and we saw Kendrick Bourne in some glorious play action down the middle, mid second quarter, for a first down.

Hunter Henry was being utilised way too much for blocking and you know, when they use that guy properly they win games! He did, however, notch up 6 receptions for 7 targets. 

Okay, as we go into the off season we know the Patriots have a lot to sort out, especially the tackle and punter positions, but Patriots Nation are on tenterhooks with all that is going on at coaching. This season has been strange in many ways, but none more than with the lack of quality and depth at coaching. 

Around we go again with the coaching carousel, free agency, and the draft! So much potential! 

And so, that is it for the 2022 season ‘Clazzy Clare Pats Propaganda game recaps’ you lovely lot. It may be the offseason but Tom and I aren’t going anywhere, so keep your eyes on patspropaganda.com and we shall see you all soon!

Go Pats!

The Patriots bring a win home against the Fins to start 2023

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Photo credit Michael Dwyer

Whilst the NFL world is sending prayers for Damar Hamlin and his family, I fully appreciate that a Patriots game recap is not on everyone’s mind, and I debated even writing this one. However, Damar Hamlin is a football player and so in tribute to him and with hopes of his speedy recovery, I write this. 

With week 17 in the bag, the Patriots are apparently controllers of their own destiny, although it can depend upon a multitude of scenarios so, are they?

Technically yes, because as we like to say “you can only play who is on your schedule” and the Patriots are where they are because they won some games and lost others. 

And to many peoples surprise, not mine, they won against the Dolphins. Now, there may be murmurings of it was third string quarterback, but that doesn’t really show fair for the rest of the Dolphins team which has been rather good, in particular the first half of the season under a new Head Coach. I mean, they do have one of the top wide receiver duos in the league too. 

It’s safe to say that the Patriots defense has been the strength of the team for this season even when they haven’t played at their best, and it would be easy for me to gloss over the shortcomings of the offense, although I have tried really hard this season to say it like it is, just with a more positive tone to it. 

Following the Bears game, Mac Jones has only thrown two interceptions and five wins under his belt, but it is difficult to celebrate these positives when he seemed much further along in his career, this time last year. 

We all know the coaching and offensive line, and the coaching of the offensive line, are big issues. They have been discussed ad nauseam, so let me run you through a few delights of the game against Miami to warm your cockles this dark and damp Tue-onday (also known as a Tuesday that feels like a Monday).  

I could also name this “things to celebrate on the Patriots team!”

We finally saw a bit of Hunter Henry action, and whilst some of us have been desiring this more than others, it was a welcome show of 5 receptions for 52 yards. The peak might have been the ‘on side kick recovery and secure’ that helped the game conclude in a win. I pose a question to you though… why is it that we really only see success with Hunter Henry when Jonnu Smith isn’t on the field? This is a conspiracy theory for 2023, methinks. 

The secondary was depleted almost to the point of insanity as newbie to the roster Tae Hayes (number 39) played 24 snaps, but they still managed great containment of Jaylen Waddle. Tyreek Hill was a little more challenging especially as Myles Bryant had plenty of responsibility to cover him, and also played 100% of he defensive snaps. 

If the defense without the dynamic duo of Marcus Jones, Jack Jones, and the solid player of Jalen Mills can succeed against two of the great wide receivers in the NFL at then moment, then it can’t be all bad, right?

As usual, the names of those that make the good list are:

Rhamondre Stevenson, particularly with his great cut-cut-cut and run early in the second quarter. 

Damien Harris returned from injury looking strong, and Michael Onwenu made sure his teammate had a bit of extra assistance with a great block to almost close out the second quarter. 

Jakobi Meyers continues to be my number one Patriots wide receiver with a great air catch, or it could be called a flying touchdown. Depends how you feel, but either way it was fabulous. Unfortunately, he left the game not long after with a possible chest injury and as I write this I have no further updates on that. 

And that’s what sparkled on the offense, as aforementioned the defense is the strength! Christian Barmore, Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise and Matthew Judon… the stuff of nightmares! And then, the mighty King Doug, Kyle Dugger, had an interception for a touchdown!

Devin McCourty almost closed out his 2022 season as a New England Patriot at home with an interception.. almost!

So that concludes week 17 for the Patriots! Tune in next time you lovely lot, and go Pats!

Shenanigans in Sin City as the Patriots fall to 7-7

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Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie USA TODAY Sports

A rather crazy play after a bad officiating call lost the Patriots a win, or at least a chance at one in overtime, and the Las Vegas Raiders capitalised with a 30-24 victory at home.

In the game against the Minnesota Vikings, a catch was in question and Hunter Henry was denied a touchdown. This time the officials gave an out of bounds Keelan Cole a touchdown that threw the good work of the Patriots defense into disarray, and eventually a loss on the road.

Dare I mention, the timeout called by the Patriots sideline just as Jakobi Meyers caught a touchdown pass from Mac Jones? No, okay. 

I always try and give you the positives, but that Sunday game in Vegas was plagued by bad coaching for both teams, and a horrible mistake by the officials.

However, what is broken can be fixed, even if it does take time and there were some good numbers that came up out there in Las Vegas!

Number 8, Ja’Whaun Bentley, brought some heat most of the afternoon/evening from the beginning of the game with a nice tackle and continued throughout with plenty of good pressure on Derek Carr, securing himself a sack. 

Defense was the name of the game, and whilst Matthew Judon and Josh Uche didn’t rack up as many numbers in Vegas as usual, they were playing complimentary defense, a nice indication of the strength of the defensive unit. 

It was a shame that the defense, with its 3 sacks and 58 combined tackles, just wasn’t quite enough to carry this team through. 

What did have a good try at carrying… the running back corps! And whilst it’s no surprise Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for the brunt of the running backs 216 yards, Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong continue to show a little sparkle. And, I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of confidence in the running back room for 2023. 

Okay, so right now confidences in this team may be few and far between, there is a slither of a chance they make the playoffs in a wild card capacity. And whilst next season is a must for some significant coaching changes, there is plenty in this Patriots locker room that I hope returns!

If you partake in my podcast A Clare Perspective, you still have a few hours to get those mailbag questions in (before the evening of Monday 19th December) for my festive fun show later this week, and don’t forget to catch up on my latest shows with the fantabulous Mark Schofield, Andy Hart, and the 50th episode special edition with Tyler Dunne where we discuss Ty’s interview with Mr Red Sleeves himself, Matthew Judon. 

I wish all who celebrate a truly Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, until next time, and next year you lovely lot! Go Pats!

The weather may have been cold in Foxborough, but the Patriots warmed things up a little with a win in Arizona

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Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Now, it may not be all sunshine and rainbows yet for the New England Patriots, but with a win against the Arizona Cardinals they move back into a wild card spot for the playoffs. 

It’s no secret, even if you didn’t watch the game, that the defense is the strength of the Patriots at present, and the game against the Cardinals was definitely an example of that. 

Arizona may have really hurt themselves with the amount of penalties they pulled, particularly the offense, but the Patriots didn’t have their card unmarked either.

Whilst Cole Strange had a better game with David Andrews playing, it was still a little shaky on the offensive line overall. But, I do want to add, Mac looked a little better in the pocket, and I think the protection was better than it has been, but it wouldn’t hurt if it were to improve more… and more. 

For a ‘leaning on the run’ offense, the ankle injury to Rhamondre Stevenson was extremely concerning, but Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong did suddenly take hold of their moments to shine, with each of the rookies putting a touchdown on the board. 

Nelson Agholor persists on making it difficult to root for him as his ball security continues to be not great. Mid second quarter Mac threw a good ball to Agholor, and he caught it, but then the next play was another good throw and he dropped it. The end of the third quarter saw Agholor fumble for a return by the Cardinals for a touchdown, fortunately it turned out to be an incomplete pass, no touchdown given, and was followed by a great diving catch by Kendrick Bourne. 

There was a Hunter Henry catch. Not just one… three! And yes, whilst that is really slim pickings, the one at the end of the second quarter can only be described as… SEXY!

Unfortunately, that was followed by a bad hand off to Kevin Harris, and the Patriots went into half time 3 points down. 

Credit to the offense, there were some explosive plays but it just still looks like a defensive guy is running the offense… 

But the night really did go to the defense, and particularly Marcus Jones playing all areas, offense, defense and special teams. 

Jahlani Tavai continued to prove some of the nay sayers wrong, with good eyes on runners for the take down, as well as a tipped ball. Matthew Judon notched up another sack (technically one and a half) for his stat sheet, although he did spend a lot of the game double teamed. But how can we be surprised!? 

Josh Uche is growing into a very dynamic player for this Patriots defense, and his stat sheet recorded 4 tackles, 1 assist and 3 sacks, whilst Daniel Ekuale racked up several tackles, as well as a sack!

And so there you have it you lovely lot, week 14 is in the bag and whilst things aren’t exactly smelling like roses for the Patriots offense, there is still hope!

The cold hard truth as the Patriots lose to the Bills in Foxborough

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Photo credit: Tom Shaw-Mellors

Well folks, as the season progresses and winter is upon us now that December has begun, it would seem that the winds of change have not made their way over to Foxborough and this Patriots team. 

The question going into this specific game was, are the Patriots strong enough right now to be serious contenders and successful against a dynamic team. Unfortunately, we now have the answer with this 24 – 10 home loss, and the answer be, nope. 

Maybe it says a lot when your leading receiver is the one strong piece of the offence who, is in fact the running back Rhamondre Stevenson, and the third leading receiver behind Jakobi Meyers?… A defense guy. Major credit to Andy Hart of WEEI for his comments during the bye week on A Clare Perspective podcast advising to put Marcus Jones on offense, and they did, with him scoring the Patriots only touchdown of the game. 

As good as this Patriots defense is they did have issues, Jon Jones whilst he has been a strong player this season in general, did not factor well in his match up against Stefon Diggs. But Josh Uche had himself a game! Matt Judon’s Mr Red Sleeves may be the thing of many quarterback nightmares, but it was Uche’s breath that the Mighty Josh Allen will have felt on the back of his neck over and over again in this game. 

Big kick Nick actually missed a field goal, which was so surprising that I missed it the first time as I was updating my notes because it looked like it had gone over! 

Whilst the offense has a patchwork line, a quarterback surprisingly struggling in his second season, it would appear that the coaching just can’t string it together. The Patriots seem to be having egregious disjointedness when it comes to the offense, and I don’t believe, personally, that you can blame a lack of weapons. Whilst it’s a big debate that the Patriots don’t have a WR1, at this point it really doesn’t matter. With the offensive line unable to give Mac time to breathe and air the ball out to the speedy receivers they did pick up, it would appear that the experiment being made with the offensive coaching is just not working. 

However! I shall attempt to give you a bit of a positive recap to the best of my abilities!

Within the first minute of the first quarter, Patriots number 49 took the Bills punt returner DOWN! The best thing is, I had to double check the number because that folks, is Joe Cardona the long snapper! A long snapper take down is actually a rather beautiful thing.

As aforementioned, Matthew Judon and Joshua Uche combined some great pressures, and although they didn’t push Allen into too much impatience, they did out sack the Bills defence with Uche notching up 2 sacks, verses the Bills AJ Epenesa with only 1. 

Rhamondre Stevenson continued to be utilised as much as possible, but a few cracks became visible with some ball security issues from catches. However, a running Stevenson is a darn machine, wrecking tackles for the first down, and mid third quarter with some great YAC, and in this case the C stands for carry!

I have to have a quick shout out to the veteran with extra, Devin McCourty who took some Josh Allen groin to the face to end the first quarter. That really gives new meaning to that festive “if’s and buts, candy and nuts…” Oof.

The two tight ends were out there, but it was unfortunate that they were having to be used for blocking again. They did have seven targets combined, but again with the unfortunately, Mac didn’t get the ball out great and they had a combined of 4 receptions for 19 yards. Not the production we are hoping for. On the flip side as a tight end enthusiast, Hunter Henry got a catch (yay!) AND how hot did these guys look in those red throw back unis?!?

We pretty much knew going into this game it was going to be difficult. The Bills are presently a better team than the Patriots, but coming off that Vikings loss it looked like the Patriots MAY have something they could draw on to pull out a win, at worst a close loss. Right now, perhaps not. 

Well that is it for another week you lovely lot. Week 13 is in the bag and the Patriots sit at 6 – 6. The good news is Tom Shaw-Mellors will return to bring you his Pats Prop Preview for the Arizona Cardinals game!