Huge. I expected a bumpy start and we’ve had one that has somehow not really affected us in the standings. But to be 7-2 and get a week off for some of the injuries to heal? Pretty amazing.
I’m a Pats fan from Los Angeles, and much that I want to listen to Pats news local to Boston (via Tune In); I can’t stand listening to WEEI’s D&C or MatMer (or even PFW) unless they have somebody guesting that’s worth a listen. Can you suggest Pats radio anchors or commentators who are worth listening to? Thanks.
Honestly, I think blogger podcasts are your best bet. You’ll get actual football talk and everything. Here’s a link to the PatsFans Fourth and Two podcast and you’ll find the podcast me and Erik Frenz do in the righthand column of PatsPropaganda.
Pete Sheppard is probably the only Boston radio guy that isn’t just looking to criticize BB and the Pats at every turn. But if you want Xs and Os and matchup stuff, check out the blogs and podcasts. That’s the niche we’re carving out and I think you’ll find them interesting.
Can we get your objective take on Brady? Can’t understand the ESPN/NFLN media honkers of the usual “Brady Declining angle”; Brady may be playing poorly but still does enough to win games and he has played against very good defenses (except Atlanta)…. And on the other side, can’t get their fascination on PManning…. Manning is playing well statistically, but watching him, he doesn’t look comparable to 2007 Brady’s dominance; and considering the defenses he has played against? Media-Hype?
Here’s a short take from a couple days ago. I have a long article for B/R brewing on this, but give us one offensive explosion and the storyline from this season on Brady is going to skyrocket in the opposite direction.
Again, EVERYTHING has gone wrong for him this year and he still keeps winning. Maybe if nothing had changed and his numbers looked this way I’d wonder. But give the guy a break, he faced a ton of adversity this season.
In my opinion Ridley is underrated, what do you think?
This is kind of a hot-button issue right now, with the general consensus (including me) being that Ridley is underused. However, I do think that there’s a method to this madness of Ridley not being the every-down back.
It’s clear Ridley is the best running back the Pats have, and when Shane Vereen returns, they’ll have a potent 1-2 punch. Ridley has the most carries of any running back (92) despite missing a game, so it’s not like he’s totally being relegated to a secondary role.
Here’s what else is playing into it, in my view…
The Pats use a passing down back and right now that is Brandon Bolden. Ridley, for whatever reason, is not viewed as a passing-down back. And that won’t change once Vereen returns. So in pass-heavy games you’re getting less Ridley.
The Patriots are not a “featured back” team. They like a rotation and specific guys for specific roles.
There’s also the long-term outlook where you want Ridley fresh for the playoff run. So I think there’s an element of managing his snaps for that reason as well.
And really, hasn’t Ridley been a great spark being used as he is? There’s no question the last few games he’s come into the game and ignited the Pats offense.
I also think his early season ball security is still a concern and part of it is that he’s being managed to build up both his confidence and the team’s confidence in him.
So there are a number of things in motion with this situation. It’s undeniable that Ridley has a unique burst and has been arguably the best weapon on the Pats’ roster. LeGarrette Blount seems to feed off of Ridley’s energy, running better after Ridley loosens up the defense rather than before when Blount or Bolden start off the game.
We’ll see how it develops, but I’d anticipate things to continue like this for a few more games. Once Vereen returns, the running back roles will be a little clearer, but I still think that Ridley will be a big part of the offense down the stretch.
I don’t want to get into specifics of it, but by me being here as long as I have, I’ve kind of been able to experience multiple things that we’ve done as a defense,” Ninkovich said. “With anything that we do, I’m pretty experienced with being able to play linebacker or play [defensive] end. It’s something that I’ve done in the past and it’s good to just have some experience at both of those positions.
Lots of love for Nink today. Much deserved…
https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-dont-want-to-get-into-specifics-of-it-but-by/
2 quick questions. Does Talib play Sunday or do we hold him out until after the bye? Does Sopoaga come right in and play or does he wait until after the bye? I like the move and if Kelly gets healthy the Pats should have a nice rotation on the D line for the playoffs…
Honestly, I’d hold Talib out and get him the extra rest, let him take the bye week then get back into the flow against the Panthers in preparation for the showdown with the Broncos the next week.
Kelly was out of practice today so looks like he might’ve had a setback. It’s okay, get him an extra two weeks of rest as well.
But I do think Sopoaga steps right in and plays a sizable role, especially playing the Steelers.
Thoughts on next season potentially being Brady’s swansong and last major shot at a fourth ring? With big players returning from injury, a defense that will arguably be even better and the new cogs on offense having a whole year of experience under their belt, is 2014 the Pats best shot at another SB with Brady before the inevitable decline?
Well, why limit it to next year? And what if Talib walks? Will it still be the “better than ever” defense? I try to follow a Belichickian code of blogging here…not getting too high or too low over the course of the season and especially not looking to next year when we’re in the middle of a campaign, but let’s talk 2014 for a second…
There’s no question the rookies who are playing a lot should all improve, and if Gronk gets a healthy offseason, he should be a beast next year, and I think Brady has another few years in him. Still there’s so many unknowns.
If the Pats peak at the end of the year and put together a strong playoff push/run despite all the injuries they’ve had, there’s no question they’ll be get a lot of love in the offseason given the guys they’ll get back.
But if they fade and the injuries catch up with them? There will be the injury excuse, but there will be plenty of questions about whether they have enough weapons, if Brady’s is almost done, etc.
So, let’s just enjoy this year for now. As always there will be plenty to talk about in 2014 about 2014.