PatsPropaganda

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Any time a perceived elite team falters, analysis pops up with “blueprints” on how future opponents can duplicate that success. Perhaps the best example was at the end of 2007 when the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 Patriots in the Super Bowl and everyone explained the Giants’ blueprint for success: “All you have to do is create pressure with your front four and get in quarterback Tom Brady’s face and get physical with their wide receivers and you can shut down their offense.” Oh. That sounds easy. All teams need to do is employ four elite pass rushers capable of creating pressure without a blitz while the back-7 covers one of the best wide receiving groups in the history. Easy enough.

Palazzolo’s Pitch: Blueprints | ProFootballFocus.com

https://www.patspropaganda.com/any-time-a-perceived-elite-team-falters-analysis/

Receiving redux: Could sluggish passing game cause Patriots to revisit old blueprint? – WEEI | Christopher Price

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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.

Patriots Friday Tweets of Note

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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.

Fixing Patriots’ offensive woes starts up front | Boston Herald

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Fixing Patriots’ offensive woes starts up front | Boston Herald

It’s doubtful anyone would call allowing 20 sacks of the quarterback in seven games a recipe for offensive success. Only four other NFL quarterbacks (Ryan Tannehill, Geno Smith, Ben Roethlisberger, Brandon Weeden) have been sacked more times this season than Brady. In the past three weeks, the line hasn’t been able to handle the defensive fronts of the Cincinnati Bengals (four sacks, eight quarterback hits), the New Orleans Saints (five sacks, seven hits) or the New York Jets (four sacks, three hits) in Sunday’s 30-27 overtime loss. That’s the first time in Brady’s career he’s been sacked at least four times in three consecutive games. Currently, he’s on pace to be dropped 46 times, which would top his previous season high by five.

Pressure Points: Chargers’ Depth Paying Off | The MMQB with Peter King

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Pressure Points: Chargers’ Depth Paying Off | The MMQB with Peter King

Good week for the Pats pass rushers, with both Chandler Jones (edge rusher) and Chris Jones (interior rusher) ranked 4th-T for the week. Pats are up to 23rd overall in the Cumulative Defensive Pressure Points. Good sign and the progress needs to continue. 

Hopefully Andre Carter brings a little boost as well.

Patriots musings at the start of Dolphins week

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Big game this weekend for the Pats, with a divisional win over the Dolphins they’ll maintaing at least a one game lead over the Jets. Jets are playing the Bengals, that should be a good one.

Taking a look at the point spread on NFL action this weekend and the Pats are favored by seven. Sounds about right. I think this matchup with the Dolphins, a team many though might overtake the Pats this year, is coming at the perfect time. It’s a division game so there won’t be many surprises, but the Pats also know how important these games are, so they’ll be no lack of focus.

I liked what I saw out of Jamie Collins getting a chance to rush the QB a bit against the Jets. Belichick seemed to like it as well, saying today: 

“We know he’s athletic, but I thought other parts of his game showed up. I thought he played hard and made some plays, played aggressively and played with good power. He’s getting better every week.” 

Collins could be a real wild card in the second half of the season.

Really like the Andre Carter signing. He should bring some good calm leadership to the defense. Not sure how much he has left but he did have 3 sacks last year with the Raiders and was generally solid against the run (2.4 rating from PFF). He’ll ease the burden on NInkovich and Chandler a bit, and help out on passing downs especially. He was a beast in 2012 and really, losing him to injury might’ve cost the Pats the Super Bowl.

Sounds like Vereen is close to practicing and Amendola was out at practice today. If these two can get back in lineup (and stay in the lineup) the Pats offense is going to have a completely different complexion in just a couple weeks. 

I feel the same way about Armond Armstead and Tommy Kelly. Their impact on the defense will have a hugely positive trickle down effect. Not to mention that Joe Vellano and Chris Jones have played far better than I ever thought either would. Both could stick in Foxboro for a long time. Jones is already getting me hot and bothered with some of his timely interior rushes. If only Wilfork and Kelly had stayed healthy, the Pats might’ve never been in the position of need to pick Chris Jones up, but I think he’s quickly becoming a building block for the defense.

Pats must win at least one of these last two before the bye. If they win both they will be in great position, but neither will be easy games.