X’s and O’s: 5 routes that are most effective for Antonio Brown

September 15, 2019

The Patriots have activated Antonio Brown and plan to play him today against the Dolphins. Brown is one of the best route runners in the NFL. He is quick, fluid and shows terrific body control when getting in and out of breaks. He is an easy target for his quarterback to play with. Here are five routes that Brown runs well and can get open on at anytime. Diagram 1:…

Read More >>

Patriots Rewind: Patriots 33 Steelers 3

September 9, 2019

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images Game Rewind: It was a banner night at Gillette Stadium as the Patriots unveiled their sixth Super Bowl banner and promptly thumped the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers 33-3. New England dominated this game from start to finish and made an early statement in the process. Here are five thoughts on the game. 1. Big plays galore: The Patriots made several big plays in the passing game. The biggest…

Read More >>

Patriots: 2019 Season Preview

September 8, 2019

The Patriots kick off the 2019 season on Sunday night at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. New England will be raising their sixth Super Bowl banner. The franchise is well positioned to add an NFL record 7th Super Bowl title this season. Here is my breakdown of the offense, defense and special teams. Offense: Bill Belichick responded to the March retirement of Rob Gronkowski by loading up at wide receiver….

Read More >>

Patriots: Thoughts on the Patriots roster moves

September 2, 2019

The Patriots cut their roster down to 53 players on Saturday. There were quite a few surprises. Here are some thoughts on who the Patriots kept and who they didn’t. 1. Keeping Gunner Olszewski over Demaryius Thomas was a surprise but there are two things to keep in mind. One: Olszewski is versatile. He can play in 10 personnel packages and special teams. Two: Thomas didn’t get activated until last…

Read More >>

Patriots: NEFJ’s Projected 53 man roster

August 30, 2019

I am not a fan of the projected 53 man roster speculation but here’s our guess as to whom the Patriots will keep. Quarterbacks (2) Tom Brady Jarrett Stidham Running Backs (5) Sony Michel Rex Burkhead Damien Harris James White James Devlin Wide Receivers (6) Julian Edelman N’Keal Harry Josh Gordon Demaryius Thomas Phillip Dorsett Jakobi Meyers Tight Ends (3) Lance Kendricks Ryan Izzo Stephen Anderson Offensive Lineman (8) Isaiah…

Read More >>

Patriots Preview: New York Giants (2-1) at New England Patriots (3-0)

August 29, 2019

The Patriots wrap up the pre-season tonight at home against the Giants in the fourth and final pre-season game. Here five thoughts on the game. 1. Does Stidham start? One has to assume that Jarrett Stidham will start and play the majority of the game. The Patriots have a tough decision to make regarding the back up quarterback position. Stidham could lock up the job tonight. 2. Eyes on Edelman,…

Read More >>

Patriots Rewind: Patriots 10 Panthers 3

August 27, 2019

Game Rewind: The Patriots played their starters for a quarter and a half in their win over the Panthers. The starters looked rusty at times but also put some good stuff on film. Here are five thoughts from the game. 1. Sony Michel looked good: Michel got his first game action of the pre-season and looked good. Michel looks leaner and quicker and showed good burst. He finished the night…

Read More >>

NEFJ Notebook: Patriots release Inman and Allen. Activate Edelman and Thomas

August 23, 2019

The Patriots made some moves following Saturday’s pre-season win over the Titans. Here are my thoughts on the moves that were made this week. 1. The Patriots released Dontrelle Inman after the veteran receiver requested his release. Inman has since signed with the Chargers. Inman saw the writing on the wall. He knew he couldn’t beat out rookie Jakobi Meyers and he decided it was better to move on. 2….

Read More >>

Patriots: Carolina Panthers (1-1) at New England Patriots

August 22, 2019

It is week 3 of the pre-season and the Patriots return home to host Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. The third pre-season game is usually when the starters play so expect to see many of the starters in action tonight. Here are five thoughts on tonight’s game. 1. The starters will play tonight: The starters will play tonight. How long depends on Bill Belichick and the coaching staff. My…

Read More >>

Patriots: Josh Gordon is poised for a big year statistically. If he stays on the field

August 20, 2019

The NFL reinstated embattled wide receiver Josh Gordon on Friday. Gordon was indefinitely suspended in December for violating the league’s substance policy. After being in a treatment the past few months, the league is once again giving him another chance. By all accounts, Gordon isn’t just a great player, he is a good person as well. Gordon’s teammates in both Cleveland and New England speak highly about him on a…

Read More >>