On paper, this defensive line might be the most defensive line the Patriots have had the last ten years. The acquisitions of defensive tackle Danny Shelton and defensive end Adrian Clayborn to go along with Malcolm Brown, Lawrence Guy, Vincent Valentine Trey Flowers, Deatrich Wise and Derek Rivers gives the Patriots a deep and versatile group up front defensively. Rushing the passer has been an issue for the Patriots in…
Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Linebackers
The success of the Patriots linebacking corp will once again hinge on the health of WILL linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Hightower missed 11 regular season games and three playoff games last season with a torn pectoral muscle. The Patriots need Hightower to play an entire season. He is the leader of the defense. He makes all the calls, all the checks and he plays in all packages. The Patriots defense has…
Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Defensive Backs
The Patriots secondary lost a key member this off-season when much maligned cornerback Malcolm Butler signed with the Tennessee Titans. Butler went from Super Bowl hero against the Seahawks to Super Bowl cast out against the Eagles. We will never really know why he didn’t play in Super Bowl 52 but regardless of how you feel about his benching, it is time to move on from Butler. Here is my…
College Football: Maryland Has No Choice But to Terminate D.J Durkin
If the vile allegations against Maryland Head Football Coach D.J Durkin and members of his staff in the aftermath of Jordan McNair’s death are true, then Durkin should be fired. The University of Maryland announced today that strength coach Rick Court was relieved of his duties and received a $315,000 buyout. Could Durkin be next? I don’t see how Durkin survives this? A player died on his watch. That is…
Fantasy Football: 15 Skill Players Who Offer Terrific PPR Value
Isaiah Crowell has RB1 potential, especially in PPR leagues. Most fantasy players believe that point per reception leagues are easier leagues to draft players in. The reality is however, you have to do more homework in PPR leagues, particularly if you want to draft well in the later rounds. It is all about finding those proverbial diamonds in the rough. Here are fifteen players that could be real finds, particularly…
Fantasy Football: 10 Fantasy Sleepers, Ten Fantasy Busts
Andrew Luck is back and yes. He’s a QB1. Every year before your draft, you do endless hours of research trying to find sleepers that you think can help you win a championship. As you well know, there are sleepers and there are busts. Here are ten sleepers and ten busts for this season. 10 Sleepers 1. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants: Yes, Manning is a sleeper. He has…
Patriots Pulse Recap: Patriots 26 Redskins 17
After failing behind 17-0, the Patriots scored 26 unanswered points to beat the Redskins 26-17 in the first pre-season game of the season. Here are five observations from the game. 1. Defense Struggled Early: The Patriots defense really struggled early on against Colt McCoy and the Redskins offense. Most of the starting defense played in the first quarter and it was concerning to see them struggle against a back up…
Patriots Pulse Preview: Washington Redskins at New England Patriots
The Patriots kick off the 2018 season with pre-season game number one against the visiting Washington Redskins. The first pre-season game of is primarily for third stringers, rookies and camp invitees. It is an opportunity for them to show what they can do as they compete to make the team. Here are five things I will be watching for tonight. 1. Brady Will Not Play: Reports surfaced earlier today that…
Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Quarterbacks
Image courtesy of John David Mercer / USA TODAY Sports Let’s be honest. There’s not much to talk about with the quarterbacks. Tom Brady AKA The GOAT will once again be the starter and Brian Hoyer will be his back up. Rookie Danny Etling will get an opportunity to show what he can do in the pre-season but at best, he will end up on the practice squad. Here are…
Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Running Backs
The Patriots have always had a stable of running backs who can do different things during Bill Belichick’s tenure in Nee England. Other than Corey Dillon, you would be hard pressed to find a back who was a quote, “bell-cow” running back. The Patriots have always used a committee approach. On paper, the Patriots 2018 stable of running backs might be the most talented group of running back Belichick has…