By John Sarianides Former Syracuse and Patriots coach Dick MacPherson passed away yesterday at the age of 86.  MacPherson was named the 11th head coach of the Patriots in January of 1991 and served as head coach for two seasons (1991-92). MacPherson came to New England after a successful ten year run as head coach at Syracuse.  MacPherson was the Patriots first big time hire. Sure, they had hired Ron…

By John Sarianides The Patriots have become the first team in NFL history to purchase their own planes. According to ESPN. Bob Kraft has acquired two planes. One will be the “main” plane that will carry the team and personnel. The other plane will be used for other personnel and family.  The planes cost between $5-$65 million, used. A new plane could cost $200 million. The main plane is designed…

By John Sarianides Vince Wilfork announced his retirement today after 13 seasons and two Super Bowl rings. Big Vince spent 11 seasons in New England and two in Houston.  It appears Vince could be returning to New England. Wilfork and his wife Bianca enjoyed living here so it would not be a surprise if they moved back.  Vince is actually returning to New England in September. He is coming back…

By John Sarianides Here are some thoughts on today’s Patriots, Jaguars joint practice. 1. Malcolm Butler struggled in one on ones but was impressive in skelly and team. He did a great job of breaking on the ball and he made a couple of great plays along the side line. 2. Tom Brady struggled early on but was very impressive in the team portion of practice. He showed good touch…

Featured image courtesy of the Boston Globe By John Sarianides The Patriots had a day off yesterday after opening training camp with four straight practices. Here some observations on how camp has gone thus far. 1. Gronk Looks Like Gronk: Rob Gronkowski has looked great thus far in camp. He looks like he is ready to go after missing eight games and the playoffs due to a back injury last…

By John Sarianides Boston College opened fall camp on Monday at the Heights. Expectations are high for the 2017 Eagles coming off of a 7-6 season and a victory in the Quick Lane Bowl.  The defense will once again lead the way but an improved offense under second year offensive coordinator Scott Loeffler will allow the Eagles to be more competitive in the ACC this season. Here are five things…

By John Sarianides Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich is expected to announce his retirement today, ending his 11 year NFL career.  The 33 year old Ninkovich entered the league in 2006 and after being cut four separate times by the Saints and Dolphins, he signed with the Patriots in 2009.  Ninkovich spent eight seasons with the Patriots and during that he developed a reputation of playing with heart and toughness. Ninkovich…

By John Sarianides Comparing the Patriots 2007 and 2017 skill groups seems to be a popular conversation around these parts nowadays. Some folks think the 07 group is better, others think this current group is better.  The only common thread between these two groups is Tom Brady and he might be the only person who could settle this debate. He won’t, so allow me to settle the debate once and…

By John Sarianides With training camp off and running, here five priorities for the Patriots this summer.  1. Play Brady in Three Pre-Season Games: Tom Brady is going to be 40 next week. While I am all for a pitch count at practice, Brady needs to get as many game reps as possible this pre-season.  Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels need to play Brady in theee of the…

By John Sarianides Training camp is here and as usual, the roster is chock full of guys you have never heard of. Some of those guys will make an impression and end up with a roster spot as a result. Here are five names you should know as training camp opens. 1. Austin Carr, WR, Northwestern: The rookie wide receiver has been turning heads since he signed as an undrafted…