PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Brandon Spikes

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Inside linebacker Brandon Spikes was the only player not in attendance last week when the Patriots hit the field for the first week of voluntary Organized Team Activities, otherwise known as “practices in shorts.” And that’s not going to change this week.
But when attendance is mandatory, Spikes will be in Foxborough with his teammates.

Source: Patriots LB Brandon Spikes to sit out OTAs, will return for minicamp – Extra Points – Boston.com

Anyone else get the feeling that Spikes might be dredless when we see him next week? Trying to figure out what “transformation” means…

https://www.patspropaganda.com/inside-linebacker-brandon-spikes-was-the-only/

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Given that background, it’s notable from this perspective that Spikes hasn’t been seen much at Gillette Stadium since the offseason program began in mid-April. Staying away is within Spikes’ rights, and there have been productive players in past years (e.g. Mike Vrabel) who have taken the same approach at times. So one of the first things I’ll be looking at Tuesday is if Spikes is present, and if he is, if there is any noticeable difference in his physical condition and how he is being employed.

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

We knew Spikes was off twitter, didn’t know he was off Foxboro too. Such an interesting year for Spikes, who should be training to prove he’s a three-down linebacker and deserves to be paid like one.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/given-that-background-its-notable-from-this/

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My take on Spikes is that there are other contractual issues that would jump ahead of it, and I’d personally let at least half the year play out before exploring it. The reason is that I’d want more information (i.e. Is he healthy? Are his skills improving?) before committing significant future dollars to him. I also consider this: When the Patriots traded up in the first round to select Hightower in 2012, they didn’t do it because they viewed him as a two-down player. He should be on the field on third down based on where he was selected. I think he will be and it’s just finding the role that maximizes his talent. On the coverage linebacker on the whole, I think it’s one of those things that would be nice to have but it’s not mandatory. Similar to you, I like the idea of them playing more dime with either Wilson (Adrian, Tavon) in a linebacker-type role this season. The hope is that you’re strong enough against the run in doing so and don’t get run over like the Bills did when they played almost exclusively a dime package in the first meeting versus the Patriots last year.

Mike Reiss on a potential Brandon Spikes extension.

New England Patriots Mailbag: How will Bill Belichick face limited options? – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/my-take-on-spikes-is-that-there-are-other/

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Spiller stumbled at about the 2-yard line before he met Brandon Spikes, who came flying in from his linebacker spot. Spikes not only knocked Spiller sideways, he jarred the ball loose. It was picked up by Wilfork, who rumbled a couple of yards in the other direction before being brought down. While there wasn’t enough time at the end of the first half for the Patriots to do anything about it, the fact that New England was able to keep Buffalo out of the end zone at the end of the first half proved to be a big momentum shift in the game.

patriots – Patriots Plays of the Year: Linebacker Brandon Spikes blasts Bills – WEEI | Christopher Price

https://www.patspropaganda.com/spiller-stumbled-at-about-the-2-yard-line-before/

Snaps: Spikes & the sub defense – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

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Snaps: Spikes & the sub defense – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

This is one of the most interesting things to monitor for next season. Pats were able to go lighter up front on the defensive line because of the physicality of their linebackers. Our biggest question in regards to this shift was could they still stop the run. Well, they had their best run stopping year in recent memory, but it was rather the short passes to the middle of the field that killed them.

The 4-3 base needs to be re-evaluated I think, and I’ll be doing so in my Friday B/R column.

Brandon Spikes mostly stayed on over Dont’a Hightower as the second sub linebacker alongside Jerod Mayo, and the Ravens attacked him with success with tight end Dennis Pitta. It’s one game, but this could raise questions this offseason if Spikes will continue to play in the sub going forward or if he’ll return to more of a base-defense only type of role.