PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

new england patriots

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New England has the easiest remaining schedule in the NFL.

ESPN.com’s NFC West blogger Mike Sando recalculated the strength of schedule at midseason. The Patriots’ opposing win percentage in the final eight games is .369.

After Sunday’s game against New York, the Patriots play six of their final seven against teams without winning records. The Buffalo Bills are the only remaining opponent with a winning record – and the Patriots will get that rematch at Gillette Stadium.

The game this weekend is not must win for either team. If the Jets win they still won’t have much margin for error and can expect the Patriots to be breathing down their neck the rest of the way. Of course if the Patriots lose the fans of New England might just decide to eliminate the franchise, three straight losses don’t happen to geniuses. (Anyone seeing a trend today?)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/new-england-has-the-easiest-remaining-schedule-in/

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I think the Jets have been the better team in recent weeks, but I don’t think all the gloom and doom around the Patriots is reflective of a team that won’t show up. I expect the Patriots’ best effort and could envision a scenario where Tom Brady will play his best game of the season, the defense will rise up in the red zone again, and special teams will tighten up. I like the Jets’ mental toughness, but I also like the Patriots in that area. I think they get rewarded this week for hanging tough in tough times.

Mike Reiss summing up my feelings exactly.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-think-the-jets-have-been-the-better-team-in/

CHFF/Braig: Bill still knows defense

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CHFF/Braig: Bill still knows defense

Here’s a detailed article with some Patriots positivity in it. One thing I’d like to touch upon further that Braig does a great job of mentioning is the whole “genius” label. I found this little piece to be extremely well put:

Genius is a marketer’s brand that is as superficial as an iron-on alligator on a golf shirt.  Genius also is—as David Harris recognized in his biography of Bill Walsh entitled The Genius—a brand that inevitably will turn on the article—the coach’s knowledge—to which it is attached.
 
“Perhaps worst of all,” Harris wrote, “the [genius] label created a host of expectations that [Walsh] would have to meet or exceed simply to avoid being considered less than himself.”

I’m so sick of every time the Patriots lose a game or make a personnel mistake the boobirds come out with their “BUT BILL BELICHICK IS A GENIUS!!!”, sarcastically mocking him. It really annoys the crap out of me. There’s no doubt that superficial label has been used against Belichick for every misstep the organization has made over the last five years. As if a “genius” football coach should never lose…

War Room Review

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Insider books about the Patriots are few and far between so when one like Michael Holley’s War Room comes out I pounce on it and rip through it in a matter of days.

War Room takes an in depth at the genesis of Scott Pioli and Thomas Dimitoff’s football careers and how they were groomed by Bill Belichick. Now while I appreciate what Pioli and Dimitroff did for the Pats, and both seem like interesting branches on the Belichick tree, it was really the behind the scenes Patriots stuff that I yearned for.

Much of the early parts of the book have already been covered in depth in books like Education of a Coach by David Halberstam and Patriot Reign which was also written by Holley. I mostly skimmed those parts because there wasn’t anything we didn’t know.

While there were some interesting tidbits about the Patriots I was left wanting more of them. By the end of the book the focus shifted heavily toward Pioli and Dimitroff’s current situations with the Chiefs and Falcons respectively and away from Belichick and the Pats.

It seems pretty clear that Belichick wasn’t giving Holley the same kind of insight or access he did for Patriot Reign. The final chapter looked at the 2011 draft and other than revealing Belichick was ready to take Ras-I Dowling at 28 there wasn’t much we didn’t already know. Most of the Belichick quotes by the end are the kind of basic fluff we’ve come to expect when BB talks to the media.

The most interesting Patriots stuff revolved around the 2006 and 2007 seasons, where it seems that Josh McDaniels and other insiders had a big part in giving some inside info to Holley.

There was the already much publicized stuff about Belichick ignoring the advice of his scouts and drafting Laurence Maroney and Chad Jackson. This definitely was some unflattering evidence that supports some of the Pats recent draft struggles.

McDaniels revealed a great deal about the build up to the 2007 season. The disappointment after the 2006 AFC Championship Game, the early days with Randy Moss and just how they managed to put together the historic 2007 offense by taking advantage of their many dangerous weapons. Even McDaniels didn’t know what to expect when they took the field against the Jets in the opener.

It was tough re-living a lot of the Spygate stuff, but hearing about how it spun out of control even on Mangini was interesting. The motivation that the whole Spygate affair brought to the 2007 season was confirmed as well.

From a Patriots perspective War Room really documents the dissolution of the dynasty Patriots. The departures of players, coaches and executives are well documented, leaving us with an impression of the current Patriots with a Godfather-like Belichick still running the organization without any of the trusted confidants that built it with him.

I was surprised to see a complete lack of mention of Nick Caserio who seems like the next generation of Pioli and Dimitroff. The way that Belichick values developing young coaching and executive talent is well documented and one of his greatest contributions to the NFL.

Overall I’d say War Room was a good but not great book from a Patriots perspective. What Patriots fans want is a look behind the curtain, and those looks were truly limited in nature.

However the book does illustrate the effect Bill Belichick’s coaching and executive tree is having across the NFL, as well as the influence of his coaching and management styles.

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I love the fact that we’re playing at home. Our fans could be the difference. That’s the challenge I’m taking to our fans this week. That we’re here, we’re undefeated at home, and let’s make it miserable [for New England]. See if you can’t make them burn timeouts. See if our fans can’t make them false start. I truly believe, I wouldn’t ask our fans to do this if I feel they couldn’t be the difference.

Rex Ryan

Can someone forward this to Logan Mankins please? No more false starts, mauler!!

https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-love-the-fact-that-were-playing-at-home-our/

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We crossed into enemy lines this week to do a Q & A with some great Jets bloggers. Hope everyone enjoys the result below.

thejetreport:

JETS VS PATRIOTS:  A DEEPER LOOK AT TWO RIVALS

When the Jets host the Patriots on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, they will be bringing along with them, a shared history that has turned into a pro football border war over the past ten years. The game not only features marquee names on both sides, it crosses the paths of two clubs who have traveled different roads in 2011, only to have landed at the same stop simultaneously: As part of a three way first place tie with Buffalo, for first place in the AFC East. 

To help us break down what has become for both clubs, the most highly anticipated opponent on the schedule, we were joined by Joe Caporoso from Turn on the Jets, Mike Dussault from Pats Propaganda, NBC’s Bruce Beck and WFAN’s Jeff Cappellini.

Here is Part I of a three part series:

1-Talk to us about the first half of the season for the Pats. What kind of trip has it been?

Dussault: The first half of the Pats season has been a steady decline in offensive production and consistent inconsistency on defense. Tom Brady has been uncharacteristically sloppy and is already 4 interceptions away from his career high. The defense has shown improvement and looks to have a higher ceiling than they did in 2010 but they need to come through in clutch spots like they did against the Cowboys. 

Cappellini: I wonder if the Pats just got old in a hurry, because their offense was unreal over the first five games, but has looked rather un-Pats-like over the last three. Now, granted, their last three foes have been three very good teams, but when has that stopped New England from bludgeoning anyone in the past? I think they really need Branch and OchoCinco to stretch the field, but so far they haven’t.

OchoCinco has been a disaster and the passing attack has really relied almost too heavily on the tight end combo of Gronkowski and Hernandez. Sure, Welker is awesome in this system and will continue to be, but without a really solid running game and really no deep threats the Pats aren’t, at least lately, ripping off the big chunks of yardage we’re used to seeing from them. Defensively, there’s nothing to see here, which is quite stunning considering Belichick’s prowess as the master game planner and schemer, mixed with the fact that the organization has drafted countless defensive players over the last five years. How many are stars now? Not many at all.

2- Are the Jets and Patriots where you expected them to be heading into the second half record wise, and performance wise?

Caporoso: I thought both teams would be about a game better at this point. The Jets struggled more early on than I expected and New England is struggling more now than I expected. In the end, both are going to compete for this division title down to the final weeks but neither will likely establish themselves as a truly dominant team, similar to how the Packers are right now. 

Beck: The Jets are the better team right now. They have momentum and confidence. The Patriots look puzzled. Brady looks mortal.

Cappellini: Yes and no. I expected them to be at the top of the division, but I figured one would be either undefeated or have one loss and the other to have no more than two losses. The Jets had their problems early, but have fought out of the abyss. The Patriots are sort of in one now, but I’m not sure we’ll see the same vaunted Pats again for the reasons I stated earlier.

3-The two head coaches, Rex Ryan and Bill Belichick are so interesting to compare and contrast. Help us do that, from their work on the sidelines to their media presence during the week as they get ready for an opponent.

Beck: The difference in the coaching styles is dramatic. Rex is a whirling dervish — a bundle of energy — a cheerleader of the highest degree. Belichick is as stoic as Landry — as unemotional as any Coach in the game. Their styles may contrast but they both burn inside with a incredible desire to succeed and in this case — kick the other guy’s butt!

Caporoso: Clearly their personalties, at least their public personalties couldn’t be any more different. Regardless, I do think there is a high level of mutual respect between the two of them and an example that there are different, effective ways to motivate a successful team. These two teams know each other inside out at this point, which is what makes watching the game plan process so interesting. How can Belichick compensate for his lack of talent on defense? How can Rex attack Tom Brady and his variety of weapons? This is a chess match between two unique, interesting head coaches. 

Dussault: This might surprise some Jets fans but I am a big Rex Ryan fan. I’ve read his book and love what he brings to the rivalry. I think both coaches can make things more difficult on themselves with their respective styles at times, but clearly both are effective at preparing their teams to play. The fun part is that their styles couldn’t be more opposite so it brings a great balance to the rivalry. 

4-Lets breakdown the work of the quarterbacks so far. How they’ve played, where they might want want to improve going forward.

Dussault: For Tom Brady it’s about making better decisions. He’s been under duress a little more this season, especially in the last few games and has been the victim of a number of tipped ball interceptions. If Brady can get back to playing consistent the Patriots offense should start to roll again. It will also require his wide receivers to start beating press man coverage more consistently and for Brady to deliver the ball quickly and accurately. I’m confident that he will turn it around, I just hope it’s this weekend. 

The Jet Report: Sanchez and the Jets have owned three personalities on offense this season. Initially, they tried to become a pass first offense, with Burress and Mason as additions to the WR corps.Then, the coaches decided to return to the Ground and Pound. Recognizing that this was too drastic of a measure, a balance was found against San Diego. Sanchez has done well spreading it around during this stretch, but can’t continue to throw early interceptions. THAT habit will haunt the Jets someday soon if it continues.

Cappellini: Brady is a fiery guy who leads by example, but if you’ve watched his demeanor of late he seems like he realizes that if this team doesn’t get its act together in a hurry all of New England may be in for a major disappointment. Slamming water bottles? Barking at everyone? I think he realizes the urgency of the situation. On the field, sure, he’s thrown more interceptions this year, but it’s hard to kill the guy when you compare so-called “down” or “average” Brady years to the immortal seasons he’s put together in the past. He’s still the same guy. The rest of his team isn’t.

Sanchez has become more of a team leader this season, but only because his performance has improved. He’s on pace for career high in every positive statistical category. Until he’s a hardened veteran I think he’s content to be a co-leader. The most important thing about Mark is he’s avoided long tailspins. He hasn’t allowed his dumb mistakes to snowball or fester. This is a different guy than from his first two seasons.

5-What do Jets fans think of Tom Brady as a player? What do Pats fans think of Mark Sanchez as a player?

Caporoso: I respect the hell out of Brady as a football player and a leader but hate the way he whines to the officials. As Jets fans, we hate Brady because he has won and because he quarterbacks our rival team. Yet, you can’t argue that he is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.  

Dussault: I really respect what Mark Sanchez did vs. the Pats in the playoffs last year. He needed to play perfectly and he did. However I know that he can be dreadfully inconsistent. I believe it all starts with stopping the Jets running game. If they’re able to run it takes the pressure of Sanchez and opens up their play action and short passing game. He’s the kind of quarterback that you can’t let get going. If you allow him to build confidence he will only get better over the course of the game. But if you make him uncomfortable, or build a lead on him, he can implode.

The Jet Report: We’re more concerned about what Jets fans think about Mark Sanchez (laughs). Brady’s Brady. The smart football fan recognizes his greatness, his ability to incorporate the ballboy in a crossing route if necessary.Sanchez, is getting the old Phil Simms treatment in New York. Called out for his mistakes much more often than he is highlighted for his attributes, for which he has many. The most greatest of them, being his ability to elevate his play late in games and win. Period.

Cappellini: The answer is totally based on results. Jets fans secretly admire Brady because he’s the standard by which all other quarterbacks should be measured. Simply, you hate him because he lights you up. However, Patriots fans, I believe, have little respect for Sanchez the QB. They have actually earned the right to be skeptical because until the day comes when Sanchez can at least be on the fringes of the conversation with a player like Brady, he’s just not at the level they expect for a “great.” It’s fair that they think this way. The Jets talk until the cows come home that he’s the face of the franchise. They’ve made their own bed with opposing fans. Hey, being hated means your respected, but as far as individual players go, the NFL is the “show me” state.

6-Both backfields split up the workload differently. Are you satisfied with the current distribution of touches among Jets running backs?

Caporoso: Yes, I think they are moving in the right direction. Shonn Greene needs 17-25 carries every week to be successful . LaDainian Tomlinson is all you can ask for as a third down back and Joe McKnight is becoming more involved each week. I think Brian Schottenheimer finally has a grip on how to use all three.  

Cappellini: It’s getting better, but at the same time I don’t want to see the Jets lessen Greene’s load now that he’s got his game in gear and the offensive line is blocking like it has in the past. Schottenheimer still needs to use Tomlinson more as a receiver, but he did a nice job going to LT inside the red zone against the Bills. McKnight is the change-of-pace guy. Keep getting him the ball at least seven times per game as a runner and the Jets will be very hard to decipher on the ground.

7-Gronkowski and Hernanadez: So special. So hard to defend. Why?

Dussault: It really starts with Gronkowski because of his ability to be dominant as a blocker and receiver. He forces teams to show their hand defensively. Hernandez is being treated more and more like a receiver and that limits his effectiveness somewhat. Opposing defenses have been pressing them both at the line and neither have the true quickness to gain separation instantly. That has been a huge factor in the slowing down the Pats offense recently. However in the red zone there is no combination in the NFL that is more dangerous. Look at the clutch touchdowns from the Dallas and Giants game: Hernandez has two of them and Gronk has one. 

The Jet Report: Who does this? Nobody. Who thinks of an approach to attack downfield like this? Only Belichick. We know other teams have utilized two tight ends in the passing game, but not as hybrid receivers with size, power and their own individual toughness. We can only imagine how much more devastating these two can be if and when one more talented WR joins the huddle up in Foxboro.

Cappellini: Both are really wide receivers. Both are extremely gifted physically, have great hands and each can make things happen after the catch. It’s a very unique situation when you get an Antonio Gates-like talent at tight end. It’s even more unique when you have potentially two tight ends that can do it.

8-Bruce, watching the Jets from a vantage point that few if any have, how does Mark Sanchez handle himself emotionally after mistakes? Who are the emotional leaders on the team, the ones that others follow for advice or inspiration?

Beck: Sanchez is mature beyond his years. His composure is remarkable. He does not get rattled by an early mistake — or two. Just last week in Buffalo, he was awful in the first half and very solid in the final thirty minutes. His leadership abilities are outstanding. During the lockout, he ran his quarterback camp in Calif for his teammates — and then took them all to the Lakers game. That stuff goes a long way. It is not something you can teach. You are born with it. He has the “it” factor!  

Bart Scott is the vocal leader. His brashness reflects his head coach. His bravado irks opponents. Ladainian Tomlinson is a classy, quiet leader. He prefers to set an example for others to follow. Nick Mangold and Darrelle Revis are both outstanding players, whose professionalism and work ethic are beyond reproach. They exhibit fire on occassion and a quiet calm on others. They clearly are leaders fo this football team.

Look for Part II of “Jets vs Patriots: A Deeper Look At Two Rivals” Friday


https://www.patspropaganda.com/we-crossed-into-enemy-lines-this-week-to-do-a-q/