USATI FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Patriots are adding a veteran presence to their defensive front as they prepare for the postseason. The team announced on Wednesday that they have signed defensive end Darrell Taylor to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, the Patriots released running back Elijah Mitchell from the practice squad. The timing of the signing is particularly notable; Taylor joins New England just days after being released…
MHSFCA Announces All-Division Teams for 2025
The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association announced their Divisional All-State Teams for 2025.
The players were selected after a rigorous process which included nominations from MHSFCA member coaches and statistical and film review. In addition, this year the MHSFCA added a specialist position to recognize kickers, punters and returners.
The days of ‘tomato can’ playoff opponents are over
Image courtesy of Sports Illustrated As the Houston Texans defense quickly pulled away from the Steelers on Monday night, one thing was clear. During the initial glory days of the dynasty and then on the back end, the playoff run was often referred to as a ‘March of the Tomato Cans’ when it came to caliber of opponents. The Pats would automatically host and win the Divisional Round game before…
Offensive guys sing praises of Patriots defense after shutting down Chargers
Getty Images FOXBOROUGH – Football is the ultimate team sport and the Patriots win over the Chargers is proof of that. Most of the onus this season has been on Drake Maye and the offense, but on Sunday night, the defense took center stage in a dominant performance against the Chargers. The Patriots defense sacked Justin Herbert 6 times, forced three fumbles and recovered one and held the Chargers to…
Old school feel returns to Gillette Stadium in Wild Card win
FOXBOROUGH – There are hundreds, if not thousands and thousands of people that have far more playoff experience than I do from a fan perspective. The 2005 Wild Card win against Jacksonville, the 2011 and 2012 AFC Championships. That’s it. That’s all I’ve got. Sure, I went to dozens of games between the old Foxborough Stadium and Gillette Stadium, but playoff crowds are a different animal. I know what those…
7 Points on the Patriots 16-3 win over the Chargers
Courtesy of the New England Patriots FOXBOROUGH– For the first time since 2018, the Patriots won a home playoff game and they did it by playing great defense and making timely plays on offense. It was an unconventional win by Patriot playoff standards but a great win nonetheless. The Patriots are built to win a championship. Now it is just a matter of building off of last night. With the…
Patriots 16, Chargers 3 – In 1st home playoff game since 2019, Pats find a way to survive & advance
Image courtesy of The Associated Press FOXBOROUGH – Now this is more like it. From the time the lots opened at 4:00, to the time the lights went out and pregame introductions started at about 7:50, Gillette Stadium was alive for playoff football again. It looked and sounded like the old days. In the end, the offense struggled, but the defense had its best performance of the season, holding the…
William “Pop” Watson returns home with commitment to UMass
William “Pop” Watson III is heading back to where his football journey began. After three seasons in Blacksburg with Virginia Tech, the dual-threat quarterback officially committed to the University of Massachusetts on Sunday night. The move marks a significant homecoming for the Springfield native, who starred at Springfield Central High School under his father, longtime coach Bill Watson, before heading south to the ACC.
Patriots Four Down Preview: Los Chargers Chargers (11-6) at New England Patriots (14-3)
Courtesy of nfl.com Kickoff: The Patriots will be hosting their first playoff game in six years tonight when they host the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round. The Patriots have been rolling most of the season losing one game in the final 13 weeks of the season. The Chargers on the other hand come into this game losers of two straight game and are banged up. Despite…
Patriots Game Plan vs. the Los Angeles Chargers
The Patriots are hosting their first playoff game in six years. It will not be easy against a Chargers team that presents some match up problems. The game plan is simple. Establish the run early and attack their corners in the passing game. Defensively, the Patriots have to control the line of scrimmage, isolate their offensive tackles and be disciplined rushing Justin Herbert. Here is this week’s plan. Offense: Use…