PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Archives for September 1, 2010

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It’s not often that I disagree with Patriots uber-beat writer Mike Reiss but after reading his comments this morning in his mailbag, where he states that Maroney is probably the 3rd or 4th running back on the depth chart at this point, I have to say I think something else.

We all know Maroney’s history, and believe it or not but he’s been a pretty good back for the Pats. Is he Adrian Peterson or even Maurice Jones-Drew? No. But let’s not forget he almost singlehandedly sealed the 2007 AFC Championship game with his hard runs. If it weren’t for the case of fumble-itis in 2009 most would’ve probably been pretty happy with him. (Not to mention the Pats probably would’ve won 1-2 more games).

Just because Maroney hasn’t played much in the preseason doesn’t mean to me that he’s in danger. In fact, just the opposite. I think he’s the starting running back against the Bengals.

Maroney is in a contract year, and by holding him out for most of preseason, the Patriots are pretty much ensuring that LoMo starts the season healthy. It’s like keeping your best stallion caged up, rattling him a little bit with all the media reports that he’s gonna get cut, or that he’s at the bottom of the depth chart. Maroney will enter the regular season, when the games actually count, with something to prove.

I think the Patriots are just preparing to unleash Maroney at the start of the regular season. He should be fully healthy, and fully pissed. Or as pissed as the good natured Maroney can get. I expect him to run wild over the Bengals and Jets.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/its-not-often-that-i-disagree-with-patriots/

2009 Patriots Pass Coverage Article

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2009 Patriots Pass Coverage Article

Nice to suddenly see everyone getting on the Pro Football Focus bandwagon. Here’s an article I wrote this summer breaking down the pass coverage from last year breaking down the Pats 2009 pass coverage.

Loss of Bodden hurts, but Butler looks capable. Devin McCourty, Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley – Patriots Nation turns their hopeful eyes to you.

Bye Bye Bodden

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Well it’s been a hectic few hours since news broke that Leigh Bodden was out for the season with a torn rotator cuff. Seems like I’m one of the few Pats fans who aren’t suicidal about it.

There’s no doubt that they Patriots would be a better team in 2010 if Leigh Bodden and Ty Warren were playing. But they’re not, so we have to get over it and look at the bright side. 

What’s the bright side you ask? Well, here’s a newsflash, the Patriots did not have a Super Bowl caliber defense with Bodden and Warren and they still aren’t one now. They’re young and unproven, and will be greatly inconsistent at times this year.

The bright side is that their talented young players are going to get a lot of experience this year. And who knows, maybe with more experience Devin McCourty or Darius Butler will prove to be better than Bodden. 

Either way, the Patriots are still in the early stages of rebuilding their championship defense and injuries can do nothing but expedite the growth of their youngsters. It’s not ideal, but when you think of the 2011 Pats with Bodden and Warren back, along with then experienced veterans Ron Brace, Devin McCourty, and Darius Butler, things will be looking even brighter.

Adjust your expectations. This is a young defense, but luckily the offensive Patriots are still going to be elite, and as has been proven over and over again you really only need one elite group to win a Super Bowl. You just have to all peak at the right time.