Interesting read from Frenz breaking down a big matchup for Sunday. The O-Line better come to play this week..
Receiving redux: Could sluggish passing game cause Patriots to revisit old blueprint? – WEEI | Christopher Price
Really good perspective from Christopher Price…
In 2006, Brady – who had turned 29 prior to the start of the season – struggled out of the gate as he worked to build a bond with the newcomers. Even though there were some wobbly moments, that team still had a 6-1 record after seven games. There were plenty of growing pains. Through the first seven games that season, Brady complied more than 60 percent of his passes on just two occasions and topped 300 receiving yards on just two occasions. On more than one occasion through the early stages of the 2006 season, the Patriots were saved by an overachieving defense, as New England eked out early wins over the Bills and Jets.
They’re going to have to run it this week, because I just don’t see them being able to protect Tannehill,” King said. “You talk about what the Patriots are missing, but still, [the Dolphins] have not shown the ability in this season to block the best pass rushers. I think if you’re Rob Ninkovich, you’re looking at this team right now, if you’re Chandler Jones, you’re looking at this team and say, ‘Boy, people have been able to rush the passer.’ Mario Williams [had] two huge plays in the last seven minutes of the game last week.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/theyre-going-to-have-to-run-it-this-week/
Chatham: Tackles play like Fish out of water | Boston Herald
Chatham: Tackles play like Fish out of water | Boston Herald
If Martin is still at left tackle for this game, Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones should feast on the opportunity to collapse his side of the line without bolting upfield and potentially past the quarterback. This is critical as Tannehill is an underrated scrambler, and breakdowns in pocket integrity that provide escape routes was a big reason Jets quarterback Geno Smith had some success last week against the Patriots.
Patriots Friday Tweets of Note
Danny Amendola says his week of practice “has been really good. Ready to go.” #Patriots
— Andy Hart (@JumboHart) October 25, 2013
Tommy Kelly comes through. Sleeve over knee. Limping pretty good.
— Nick Underhill (@Nick_Underhill) October 25, 2013
Amendola says he remembers “everything” from the hit, etc., felt like he was symptom free that night.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 25, 2013
Doesn’t sound like Kelly’s anywhere near close to returning. Let’s put him on the backburner until after the bye week. As for Amendola it looks like he should be good to go.
At basically mid-season, what do you see the Patriots needing to address in the offseason through FA/draft? Besides Talib, who else is in their contract year and a priority to retain?
I’ve been saying it for three years, but I’d love to see an impact defensive tackle added, preferably in the draft. Now I don’t think they have a choice. Right now this is how I would list the priorities…
- Defensive Tackle
- Guard/Center
- Coverage Linebacker
- Slot Corner
- Tight End
We’ll see on the wide receivers, but I do think Edelman has earned a contract extension, assuming he stays healthy this whole year. Talib is pretty much a must-retain in my view. Whether or not this latest injury puts him in the long-term contract range will remain to be seen. At worst, I think you have to Franchise him.
Wendell and Spikes are two of the more interesting free agents next offseason. So far, Wendell hasn’t done much to make us think he deserves a long-term deal. We’ll give him the rest of the season.
I think there’s a place for Spikes on the team. He’s a bit limited in some areas, but dominant in others. That will be an interesting situation and I think it could go either way. Spikes is just enough of a loose cannon that I have no idea what he wants. Will he chase money? Or does he like New England.
Hooman and Fletcher are up as well, I think both will likely be back.
But the way it looks right now, next offseason will be about reinforcing the middle of the defensive line. I think Chris Jones and Joe Vellano have some potential, but both are better served being rotational guys. Smith especially seems like a great Mike Wright type, and anyone who reads this blog knows how much I long for another Mike Wright type.
It’s always good to have a good player, and especially a star, like Rob Gronkowski return. I was extremely surprised that he looked as good as he did, and to be that productive on his first game back after being out all that time and going through the surgeries. It shows you what a special player Gronkowski is. Once the other pieces start to fall in place, it is going to make Tom Brady’s job easier. Gronkowski changes defenses. Now it’s up to everybody else to take advantage of the fact that he’s changed the defense.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/its-always-good-to-have-a-good-player-and/