Game Rewind: The Patriots survived a late rally by the Texans beating them 27-20 at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots got off to a fast start thanks to the Texans fumbling the opening snap of the game. After scoring on their second possession of the game, the Patriots took control of the game and never looked back. Here are five thoughts on the game. 1. Brady and Gronk On the Same Page: So…
The Patriots open the 2018 season at home this afternoon against Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans. The Patriots had to come from behind to beat the Texans 36-33 in week three last season. Expect another close game today between two teams that share similar philosophies. Here are five keys for the Patriots if they want to win today. 1. Don’t Allow Watson to Extend Plays: The Patriots cannot allow…
Photo courtesy of the Boston Herald. The Patriots announced on Monday that they have signed guard Shaq Mason to a five year, $50 million dollar extension. $23.5 of that is guaranteed. On the surface, that might seem like a lot of money for a guard but in reality, it is a fair market deal. Mason has played at a pro bowl level each of the past two seasons. Despite lacking…
Pre-Game Primer: It is a rematch of Super Bowl 52 as the Philadelphia Eagles come into Gillette Stadium to battle the Patriots in pre-season game number two. The Patriots played several starters on both sides of the ball last week but they did not start Tom Brady who was out reportedly because of a sore back. Brady is expected to play tonight. Many of the starters should once again see…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…