The Patriots traded a 2017 fifth round draft pick for outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo yesterday. Mingo, the sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft is in the last year of his rookie deal. Mingo has underachieved thus far amassing only seven sacks in three seasons. Part of Mingo’s problem is that he can’t put weight on. Taking a chance on Mingo is a typical Bill Belichick move. The Patriots will…

I bet when you heard the news this morning that the Patriots were releasing Bryan Stork, you were surprised. Well…I’m not. In fact, I am more surprised they released Donald Brown than Stork. Stork didn’t quite jive with new offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Sure, Scarnecchia liked him when he scouted him but he wasn’t the one banging the table for the Patriots to draft him. It was former offensive…

The Patriots announced over the weekend that running back Dion Lewis and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer could both miss extended time to start the season because of lingering injuries. Lewis had a clean up down on his knee and could start the season on the PUP list. Vollmer’s injury could be much more significant.  Vollmer is dealing with a nagging hip injury that could either land him on the PUP…

1. Tom Brady hasn’t been seen much lately at Patriots practice but he came back yesterday. He was sporting a cut on his thumb but this whole thing is weird. What is going on with him and the Patriots?  2. Speaking of the Patriots, Bill Belichick doesn’t consider the third pre-season game to be important. What a surprise.  3. Jason Pierre Paul referred to Giants kicker Josh Brown as his…

1. It’s looking more and more like J.J Watt could miss the start of the regular season. It wouldn’t surprise me if he started the season on the PUP list.  2.  I don’t understand how Giants coach Ben McAdoo can vouch for kicker Josh Brown and call him a good man? HE PHYSICALLY ATTEMPTED TO HARM HIS WIFE! He’s not a good man! PERIOD!  3. Steelers back up quarterback Landry…

Game Rewind: After getting off to a slow start on both sides of the ball, the Patriots turned things around in the second quarter and beat the Bears in a tight pre-season game.  1. No Brady: Tom Brady was supposed to play tonight but oddly enough, he cut his hand using a pair of scissors and was ruled out prior to kick off. I don’t know if I buy it….

Storyline: It’s pre-season game number two for the Patriots as they host the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. After a spirited two days of joint practices, the two teams appear ready to play.  Tom Brady will make his 2016 debut tonight but the focus will once again be on Jimmy Garoppolo who played the first half last week and finished 11-18 for 168 yards. Expect Garoppolo to play two quarters with…

Game Rewind: The Patriots beat the Saints 34-22 in a game that featured big plays, defensive scores and a bunch of pointless penalties. Here are my ten thoughts on the game.  10 Thoughts From the Game 1. Jimmy Garoppolo completed 11-18 passes for 168 yards and no touchdown passes. Overall, he was o.k. I thought he held the ball too long on intermediate and vertical route combinations. He was much…

Storyline: The Patriots kickoff the 2016 season at home as they host the New Orleans Saints in the pre-season opener. All eyes will be on quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett tonight. Garoppolo will get the start but don’t be surprised if Brissett plays the majority of the game. The competition at wide receiver, the offensive line and who starts at running back will also be focal points tonight.  Three…

The Patriots got some tough news yesterday after Rob Ninkovich tore his triceps in joint practices against the Saints. Ninkovich will not require surgery but he will be out until October. Make no mistake about it, the Patriots will miss Ninkovich. He plays all three downs and he can play out of a two and three point stance. His versatility is a big plus for the Patriots defense. Chris Long,…