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Nate Ebner

Pats Posits: Injury Attrition and Wins Continue

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The Patriots rolled over the Miami Dolphins as most expected, but it wasn’t quite as enjoyable as it should’ve been with some sloppy play and worse, injuries marring the contest. It’s a constant refrain here on the blog — all that really matter at this point are injuries and Sunday’s game against Miami had a significant number of casualties. Nate Ebner, Trey Flowers, LaAdrian Waddle and Kyle Van Noy were among those to leave and not return.

So yes, a win is a win, but at this point the injury scoreboard is almost more important and there the Pats got beat pretty good.

Still, the beat rolls on as Dion Lewis and Brandin Cooks continue their sensational seasons sparking the new-look Patriots offense despite the litany of injuries. The defense continued their hot streak of not giving up many points, giving up just 10 themselves while the botched snap by Ted Karras gave the Dolphins their other touchdown. The defense has now moved into 11th place allowing 20 points-per-game, just a shade above the 18.6 that the Patriots have averaged under Bill Belichick.

With the Steelers needing a last-second field goal to knock off the struggling Packers, the Patriots remain atop the AFC favorites. While initial reports on Trey Flowers and Kyle Van Noy sound like these weren’t season-enders, the bumps and bruises continue to add up. Will they be enough to alter the destiny of this Pats team? We’ll see a pretty good test next weekend in Buffalo as the Bills look like they’ve gotten back on track with a win over the fading Chiefs.

Here are all the Posits on the Dolphins win.

[Read more…] about Pats Posits: Injury Attrition and Wins Continue

Sunday Patriots Roundup

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Things have been quiet this weekend for the Pats as free agency settles in and loses the frantic pace. This is when the Pats do their damage as value comes to the forefront.

Saturday’s re-signing of Nate Ebner was expected because really, who values great special teams free agents more than the Patriots? Ebner has been another one of those fascinating draft stories, going from a rugby player, to bit player on the Ohio State football team to suddenly being draft by the only team who could see his potential.

Ebner hasn’t been a total stranger to defensive snaps either, usually in the early part of the season, seeing time at both free and strong safety. But special teams are his bread and butter, and with the departure of Tavon Wilson, Ebner’s return provides some stability.

In visit news…

Even Jets fans have seemed to know Kerley was then kind of player that has Patriots written on him. Without a role in Chan Gailey’s offense, the Jets cut Kerley loose. He had 56 catches in 2012, but that production has fallen off each season, but he still seems like he’d be a good fit in the slot for the Pats.

That sets up an interesting situation with Danny Amendola. We’ve been waiting for the Pats to re-structure/extend Amendola’s contract for the second season in a row — he’s due to make $5 million with a $6.8 million cap hit. If the Pats were to bring Kerley into the fold, especially for something in the $2 million range, it would put even more pressure on Amendola.

Don’t get me wrong, Amendola is a valued receiver on this team. He came through with a number of big plays/catches over the last two seasons, but still, he’s 30, had more injury issues last year and is due to make more money than any other receiver. We also saw last year that it’s not quite so simple to say he can fill in for Edelman. Amendola can’t take that beating and is best served as the third wide receiver who plays out of the slot.

Perhaps having Kerley would help protect both Amendola and Edelman. But there’s no denying Kerley could fill Amendola’s role both in the slot and returning punts. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Couple nuggets from the Sunday columns:

Mike Reiss has Tre Jackson getting a knee scope after missing the two playoff games.

Chris Price has some insight on the Pats’ rumored interest in Chris Long. Always loved Long as a twitter follow, and for a low cost deal I’d be all for bringing him in but I still don’t see the need at defensive end. Extend Sheard, work something out with Ninkovich next season and groom Trey Flowers and Geneo Grissom. Chandler Jones is going to make a huge sum of money next season, the Pats should just milk this contract year out of him and let him go.

3 up, 3 down for Patriots – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

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3 up, 3 down for Patriots – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Hard not to have a major crush right now on both these rookie safeties. Chung better get healthy quick because his job might not be there for long.

Tavon Wilson/Nate Ebner – Rookie safety duo starts as both also play in the dime. Ebner continues to make an impression, with a pass breakup and later a special-teams tackle.

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Preseason games can often be tough to watch, but for those looking for a few intriguing individual storylines, one of the best tonight is with rookie safety Nate Ebner (No. 43 on your roster). Ebner hardly played defense at Ohio State, but was selected in the sixth round mainly for his special teams prowess. But in practices over the last week, Ebner has been around the ball and he should get extended opportunities tonight at safety with rookie Tavon Wilson (second round) and veteran James Ihedigbo (foot) not expected to play.

New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/preseason-games-can-often-be-tough-to-watch-but/

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Nate Eb-nah interception!!

(via Patriots Training Camp – Friday, August 17, 2012)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/nate-eb-nah-interception-via-patriots-training/

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“Rookie Nate Ebner was on the top kickoff return unit after on his second practice day.” – Boston Globe

(pic via Patriots Training Camp Day 10 – Sunday, August 5, 2012)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/rookie-nate-ebner-was-on-the-top-kickoff-return/