New England Patriots

Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Linebackers

August 16, 2018
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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…

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Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Defensive Backs

August 16, 2018
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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…

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Patriots Pulse Recap: Patriots 26 Redskins 17

August 10, 2018
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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…

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Patriots Pulse Preview: Washington Redskins at New England Patriots

August 9, 2018
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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…

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Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Quarterbacks

August 9, 2018
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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…

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Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Running Backs

August 9, 2018
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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…

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Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Wide Receivers

August 9, 2018
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The four game suspension of Julian Edelman has been the topic of conversation when it comes to the Patriots receiving corp this off-season. The departure of Danny Amendola and the lack of depth at the position has also been a topic of conversation. The Patriots usually only carry five receivers during the regular season but they’ll be hard pressed to break camp with that many on the roster. The Patriots…

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Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: Tight Ends

August 7, 2018
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After months of speculation that Rob Gronkowski was either going to retire or be traded, he is back in New England and ready to once again be the focal point of the Patriots passing game. Here are my thoughts on the tight end position. Starter: Rob Gronkowski Back-Ups: Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Ryan Izzo (PS) Position Thoughts: Provided he stays healthy, Rob Gronkowski should once again be the best tight…

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Patriots Pulse Blog: Positional Breakdown: The Offensive Line

August 7, 2018
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The Patriots offensive line lost a big piece this off-season when left tackle Nate Solder left in free agency and signed with the Giants. Rookie Isiah Wynn was drafted in the first round as a potential replacement for Solder. While Wynn lacks the prototypical size to play the position, he is athletic enough to play left tackle. Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is beginning his 33rd full season as a…

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Patriots Pulse Blog: The Patriots Had No Choice But to Release Malcolm Mitchell

August 7, 2018
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The Patriots released third year receiver Malcolm Mitchell yesterday. After shopping Mitchell last week, the Patriots found no takers and chose to release the 2016 fourth round pick out of Georgia. After catching 32 passes and scoring four touchdowns as a rookie and playing an integral part in the Patriots run to the Super Bowl, Mitchell missed all of last season due to a knee injury. An inability to stay…

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