An Independent Patriots Blog
At the halftime ceremony celebrating his incredible career, Robert Kraft announced that the Patriots are waiving the usual 4-year waiting period to induct Tom Brady into the Patriots Hall Of Fame, next June, inside Gillette Stadium.
Brady ended his speech by saying “I’m a Patriot for Life.”
The organization will release details about next year’s ceremony in the coming months.
The summer offseason has flown by again and we’re now on the road to Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles! With the NFL roster cutdown deadline on Tuesday 29 August at 16:00 ET, here’s my Patriots 53-man roster projection.
Quarterbacks (2)
IN: Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe
OUT: Malik Cunningham
Notes: I feel there are a few players that the Pats will be trying to squeeze onto the roster, Cunningham is one of them, but for me, I think they’ll end up trying to get him on the practice squad.
Running Backs (4)
IN: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott, Kevin Harris, J.J. Taylor
OUT: C.J. Marable, Ty Montgomery II
Notes: Originally, I had Pierre Strong Jr. making the roster, but this afternoon he was traded to Cleveland, so Kevin Harris & J.J. Taylor have squeezed on to round off the RB room. If you’ve been keeping up with training camp, there are no real surprises here other than Montgomery, but given his injury issues, I can’t see him making the initial 53.
Wide Receivers (6)
IN: DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte
OUT: Thyrick Pitts, Raleigh Webb
Notes: Both rookies Douglas and Boutte have impressed this summer, earning them a spot on the team to begin the season. I think Bourne is trending to be WR1/2, he’s looked like their best receiving option this summer.
Tight End (3)
IN: Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Anthony Firkser
OUT: Matt Sokol, Johnny Lumpkin, Scotty Washington
Notes: I went back and forth on what the team might do in this position. In the end, much to the delight of my colleague Clare Cooper, I’ve gone with these three for now, something of note is Gesicki’s shoulder injury that could impact him early on in the season. Look for Sokol to end up on the practice squad.
Offensive Line (9)
IN: Cole Strange, David Andrews, Trent Brown, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff, Sidy Sow, Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Jake Andrews, Antonio Mafi
OUT: Andrew Stueber, James Ferentz, Bill Murray, Chasen Hines
NFI/IR: Kody Russey, Calvin Anderson
Notes: I don’t feel great about the offensive line, especially at the tackle position which has been the main area of concern all summer. Earlier today, the team acquired OT Tyrone Wheatley in a trade with Cleveland. He’s raw but looks to have some upside.
I’d expect all the cut names to make it back onto the practice squad if they clear waivers.
Read more: Patriots 53-Man Roster ProjectionDefensive Line (7)
IN: Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Keion White, Lawrence Guy, Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts
OUT: Carl Davis, Jeremiah Pharms, Justus Tavai
PUP/IR: Trey Flowers
Notes: Carl Davis was reported to have been cut earlier, although I had already planned on sticking him down as a semi-surprise release. Perhaps a question about Lawrence Guy potentially being a surprise cut, but I think he’ll stick around for one more year.
Edge Rushers (4)
IN: Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Ronnie Perkins
OUT: NONE
Notes: At one point I did think perhaps the Ronnie Perkins project was finished, however, some strong training camp and preseason performances have kept his story alive. That aside, the list is straightforward.
Linebackers (4)
IN: Marte Mapu, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Chris Board
OUT: Mack Wilson, Calvin Munson, Diego Fagot, Joe Giles-Harris
Notes: Mack Wilson is perhaps the only surprise cut from this list as he’s had a fairly underwhelming summer. He could well stick around, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they move on and use the extra spot elsewhere. Chris Board is a lock as a duel-positional player along with his specialist abilities.
Cornerbacks (5)
IN: Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant
OUT: Quandre Mosely, Rodney Randle, Shaun Wade, Ameer Speed
IR: Isaiah Bolden
Notes: The legal situation surrounding Jack Jones is still one to watch as we wait to see how that will be resolved, but I’m pretty happy that the 5 I’ve picked are locks. Ameer Speed will hopefully stick around as he’s had a good summer, Isaiah Bolden could end up on IR after his scary injury against Green Bay last week.
Safeties (4)
IN: Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills
OUT: Brad Hawkins, Joshuah Bledsoe
Notes: I feel this one is fairly straightforward. Bledsoe is a player I would like to see get on to the practice squad.
Special Teams (5)
IN: Chad Ryland, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona, Matthew Slater, Brenden Schooler
OUT: Nick Folk, Corliss Waitman
Notes: The kicking competition in both disciplines has been an interesting story to follow this camp, there hasn’t been much between either in both punting and kicking.
Regarding the kicking comp, I’ve gone with the rookie Ryland over Nick Folk, although if I’m right, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some roster gymnastics to keep Folk around in some fashion.
Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books and the Patriots added two more rookies to their class. Because the amount of players taken in the night has doubled, I’ll do a high-level rundown of what occurred last night, mainly focusing on hopeful Patriots picks, and the players who Bill actually drafted.
The night started at pick 32 with a cool, full-circle moment, as CB Joey Porter Jr was drafted by the Steelers, following in his father, Joey Sr’s footsteps who was also drafted by Pittsburgh in 1999.
With pick 33, the Titans traded up to take QB Will Levis, whose fall from a top-10 projection, to first-round obscurity made headlines yesterday. From a Patriots perspective on this pick, there were multiple reports saying the Patriots had no interest in taking Will Levis.
Then came the Great Tight End run that doesn’t involve the Pats (Sorry Clare!) – The Lions, who’ve had a weird draft so far, took Sam LaPorta, whilst Michael Mayer joined old friend Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas, with picks 34 & 35 retrospectively.
[Read more…] about Day 2 Recap of the 2023 NFL Draft
A brighter end to the week than how it began following one of the scariest moments in NFL history on Monday night. Thankfully, as this preview goes out, Damar Hamlin is awake and recovering well in a Cincinnati hospital following his cardiac arrest during the game.
With the best news possible on Hamlin’s condition now known, the Patriots 8-8 Patriots and the 12-3 Bills face off in Buffalo NY with the Pats needing a win to extend their season into the playoffs. Here’s your week 18 preview!
Rhamondre Stevenson
The Pats will need their best players in the groove if they’re going to make it to the playoffs, which means Stevenson will need to put in a big shift in Buffalo. The Bills are ranked fourth in the NFL on average rush yards allowed per game with 104.4, meaning it won’t be an easy task to get the ground game moving.
Even with a couple of embarrassing moments late on in the season, Stevenson still has been the best player on offense, and here’s hoping he can finish big on Sunday.
Matt Judon
Judon has kept his quality of play up down the stretch this season, and he’s vital to the playoff hopes in this one. Allen for sure can be forced into mistakes, Judon should be the one forcing them.
He remains on 15.5 sacks, just 3 shy of the current Patriots season sack record of 18.5, held by HOF’er Andre Tippet. Judon will be wanting to get close to, or equal that number on Sunday, hopefully aiding a must-win for the team.
Mac Jones
Mac has been a lot more secure with the ball in the second half of this season as turnovers have come way down, but a negative downside is that the amount of touchdowns he’s thrown is shamefully low. The offensive has to have productive drives against Buffalo, otherwise, it’ll be over before halftime. Let’s go Mac!
Marcus Jones
Marcus Jones was a noticeable absence last week against Miami, weirdly on all three sides of the ball. The rookie has emerged as a swiss army knife this season and I’m excited to see what he can bring to the team on Sunday. Remember, it was against the Bills back in Week 13 that Jones scored his first career offensive touchdown. #25 is a must-watch.
Devin McCourty & Matthew Slater
This is likely the final game for these two future Patriot Hall Of Famers, not saying they’ll have a massive bearing on the game, but enjoy one final time seeing two Patriots legends.
Nick Folk
If the Pats come out of Buffalo with a win, it will have come down to the very fine margins, meaning that Nick Folk will have played a role in the victory. Folk has missed a bunch of kicks in recent weeks, he needs to be 100% on Sunday regardless of if it’s for 1 or 3 points.
Josh Allen
Allen has shown his human side a few times this year, throwing quite a few picks when he’s not fully focused. With everything going on this week, we could see anything from Allen on Sunday, his best version, or, he could leave things open for the Patriots to earn a win. A must-watch.
Stefon Diggs
Unsurprisingly, like Allen, Diggs is a must-watch too, he’s having his second-best career season with 1325 receiving yards, and a joint career-high 10 touchdowns. The Pats have some secondary depth back with Marcus Jone returning, but, they’ll have their work cut out trying to stop the main Bills target who caught 9 passes for just shy of 100 yards and a touchdown back in Week 13 on TNF.
Ed Oliver
One of the reasons the Bills have been so good against the run this season is Ed Oliver, the former 9th overall pick in the 2019 draft has been a quality defensive line addition for them. With the Pats’ offensive front struggling to get consistency in either blocking game, the interior will need to be solid Sunday.
Another heartbreaking loss last week condemned the Patriots to their fourth loss in the last five games. They currently sit 7-8 on the season and somehow still control their own fate for a wildcard playoff spot. To get there they must win their final two games, starting on Sunday against Miami, here’s your Week 17 preview!
Jon Jones
While he is questionable to play, expect Jon Jones to be out there on Sunday, and boy do the Pats need him. The secondary has been struggling with injuries over the last few weeks and rookie sparks Marcus and Jack Jones were both ruled out earlier.
With Miami enjoying the duel threat of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, Jones will be one to watch as he tries to contain one of them for his assignment.
Jalen Mills
Like Jon Jones, the Pats will be relying heavily on Mills, if he plays. The secondary has missed Mills whilst he’s been dealing with a groin problem in recent weeks. He doesn’t possess the type of speed Jones does, but if he’s able to play, he’ll be expected to cover one of the two deadly Miami speedsters.
Damien Harris
We haven’t seen Damien Harris play for the team since Thanksgiving, and with his contract up at the end of the season, this could be his final home game at a Patriot. Harris was officially off the injury report and will play on Sunday, perhaps splitting a larger share of the carries with Rhamondre, who’s been dealing with an ankle injury.
Harris will want to put some solid tape up in these last couple of games for any potential landing spots in free agency, he’s one to watch in the backfield.
Matthew Judon
Although I haven’t seen his name mentioned nationally for DPOTY, I think there is certainly an argument to be made that Judon should be in the conversation after a career-high season so far. Miami will be without their starting QB, Tua Tagovailoa this week as he deals with another concussion, the real key to victory will be if Judon & co can put some good pressure on Teddy B.
Judon is currently sitting on 15.5 sacks, just 3 shy of the current Patriots season sack record of 18.5, held by HOF’er Andre Tippet. Judon will be wanting to get close or equal that number on Sunday, hopefully aiding a must-win for the team.
Tyreek Hill
You know what Hill brings, he’s been red hot in his first season in Miami, currently sat on 1,632 receiving yards, with 7 touchdowns.
Tua being out could potentially stall Hill’s production as they have had quite the partnership this year, but, Bridgewater could easily throw him a 5-yard pass and he’ll take it 70 yards for the touchdown. Shut. Down. Hill.
Jaylen Waddle
As if Hill wasn’t enough, Miami also have Jaylen Waddle at their disposal, who at times is equally as dangerous as his pass-catching counterpart. Waddle is currently sat on 1,260 receiving yards, with 8 touchdowns.
Christian Wilkins
The Pats have struggled in the redzone all year, they’ve tried to pound it in on the ground numerous times without success. Wilkins will add a major barrier in that plan should they try that again on Sunday, he’s been very good for Miami this year, leading the team in tackles for loss.
It doesn’t feel very Christmassy at the minute, especially after the shambles of last week in Las Vegas. But, hopefully, the team can rally to finish 2022 strong. Tomorrow, the 7-7 Patriots welcome the 10-4 Bengals. Here’s your snapshot preview for Week 16!
Marcus Jones
Marcus Jones has moved to the top of the watch list for me now each week, he always seems to make an impact on games over this recent stretch, regardless of what side of the ball he’s playing on. A bright spark in what’s been a dark period for the team.
Rhamondre Stevenson
While Damien Harris is questionable and expected to be available for the team tomorrow, I expect Stevenson will still be the lead backfield weapon once more for the Patriots. Stevenson’s career-high game last week ended in disaster with that bonkers play, he’ll want to forget everything about that and hopefully put in another huge game on the ground. One to watch, as always.
Josh Uche + Matt Judon
This tandem pass-rushing attack is so important for the Patriots, especially with how Uche has come along in the last couple of months. They were both not quite as effective last week against the Raiders, but for me, they hold the keys to any chance of a win tomorrow, they have to get after Burrow.
Ja’Marr Chase
Now Chase is back and healthy, he resumes his role as WR1 and one of the league’s best pass-catchers. The Pats did a great job of shutting down DeVante Adams last week, but I do fear that they won’t be able to subdue Chase tomorrow, he’s the main threat.
Joe Mixon + Samaje Perine
Unlike last week where the Pats needed to only stop one threat out of the backfield, tomorrow they’ll have to deal with a tandem pairing that has found the endzone 14 times this season. Mixon for sure hasn’t had the same sort of production we saw this time last year, but, the offense has shown that they can get either player into the endzone either carrying or catching the ball.
Trey Hendrickson
Even with a broken wrist, Hendrickson is expected to play which is a huge boost for the Bengals. Obviously, it’s not an ideal situation and he’ll likely have a giant club on the affected limb, but, with the issues the team has had on the offensive line, Hendrickson still poses a big threat to Mac Jones.
At 7-6, the Patriots are still in the picture for the final wildcard playoff slot in the AFC. Tomorrow brings the second and final game of their West Coast tour, facing off against a former friend, Josh McDaniels and the 5-8 Vegas Raiders. Here’s your snapshot preview for Week 15!
Update-
Damien Harris – OUT
Isaiah Wynn – OUT/Placed on IR ending his season
Christian Barmore – Activated from IR
Mac Jones
My focus remains on Mac again this week, and I just hope he can help the team to a win to keep the playoff hopes alive. I don’t need ridiculous numbers from him, just please have a clean game and don’t make any mistakes. Also, try and get along a bit more with Matty P if possible, or at least don’t tell him to shove it during the game.
Jakobi Meyers
The Pats have really missed Meyers since he left the Bills game with a concussion, he’s expected to be back tomorrow (questionable) and with that it also brings back Mac’s safety blanket. The Patriots offense has looked pretty shoddy all season, but at least with Meyers in the mix you feel good about a drive not always stalling in the Pats’ own territory.
Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson should be good to go tomorrow evening (questionable) after he left the Cardinals game early on Monday night with an ankle injury. With no Damien Harris again, expect the rookie duo of Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong to be Stevenson’s backup unit in what could be a shared three-pronged attack. Stevenson will be a key outlet for Mac once again.
Christian Barmore
This is good news for the Pats who at one point may have been worried about Barmore returning at all this season. He does, and will slot straight back in tomorrow to provide a big upgrade on the interior of the defensive line. He’ll be a fun watch.
DeVante Adams
Amidst all of the Raiders’ struggles, Adams has been as good as ever, currently sat on 82 receptions, 1,247 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns. He’s nothing less than a game-changer, and the Pats secondary is going to have their work cut out trying to shut him down.
Josh Jacobs
With the Patriots getting reinforcements back on the defensive front, neutralising Jacobs should be achievable. Jacobs continues his solid campaign as their star rusher and he can’t be allowed to get comfortable tomorrow, especially with Adams on the outside offering that deadly pass-catching threat.
Darren Waller
The Raiders get Waller back after missing him since Week 5 with a hamstring injury. Waller has been on decline over the last few seasons, dealing with ailments as he tries to find the sort of form the league saw from him in 2020. Even with some rustiness to shake off, the Pats will need to be very aware of the threat the big, athletic tight end brings.
Maxx Crosby
Crosby is a very dangerous customer on the Vegas defensive line, he’s currently sat at 11.5 sacks on the year (career high) and can really disrupt a promising drive all by himself. With the Pats’ O-Line struggles still lingering, Crosby could be in for a busy afternoon getting after Mac Jones.