PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Archives for February 14, 2011

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Bill Belichick—I think he’s the best coach in history, and this is arguably his second best coaching job after his performance in 2001. He traded Randy Moss and Laurence Maroney, then lost seven key players to injured reserve. Belichick has done it with the youngest defense in the NFL and 18 undrafted players, including his two top running backs. He runs the defense, and he runs the offense. He has a great feel for playing to the strengths of individuals and identifying and playing to the strengths of the team, and that has been very evident this season. Belichick has gotten more out of a number of players than any coach should have.

Dan Pompei

https://www.patspropaganda.com/bill-belichicki-think-hes-the-best-coach-in/

Let’s meet a global Patriots fan: Ireland’s own NewEnglandSpitfire

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In our unending effort to unite all forms of social media related to the New England Patriots we’ll be trying to bring you a Patriots fan from a foreign destination from time to time this off-season.

Today we have an awesome fan from Ireland. She goes by NewEnglandSpitfire and here’s our Q and A with her…

How did you become a Patriots fan?

When I lived in Worcester, Mass. I started to love Football, because my Daddy has been a fan since he was born and raised there. I watched the games with him all the time, and watched my first Superbowl in 97, when the Packers defeated the Patriots. There’s just something about the New England Patriots that gets me going every time they play.

Favorite current player? Favorite all time player?
My favorite current player would be.. Wes Welker. I have never seen a player improve so much by just switching what team they play on. When we got him from Miami, it was like ‘Welker who?’, then BAM, here comes an amazing WR. It was a nice surprise.

Now, for my favorite all time player.. Corey Dillon. He had the best attitude on and off field that I’ve ever seen in a player. I believe in God, and he wasn’t afraid to admit his faith to ESPN when they interviewed him. He has balls.

Best Patriots game of 2010
Best Patriots game of all time in my opinion? October 4th, facing the Miami Dolphins. Going out to halftime, I thought we were either done for, or we were going to cut it close. The coaches must have said something right in the lockerrooms, because when they came out, our Special Teams alone dominated the living crap out of the Dolphins, making it so that our offense was hardly out the entire second half.

What inspired you to make Patriots fan videos?
When I first joined the TTC, there were little to no Patriots video makers on Youtube. I figured we needed some, since people were telling me about this circle of video makers, and how awesome it was. I love it.

 What should the Patriots #1 offseason priority be?
Offense we have nailed pretty good. Problem is, we need to train up our 2nd string as well. God forbid we get an injury, we’re screwed. We have our starters doing spectacular, and we held the spot for the number 1 offense for awhile, I’m just worried a few of the starters will get injured, and we’ll be left with a terrible season. My point is, we need more playing time for our rookies.

Most overrated and underrated Patriots?
Most overrated? Tom Brady. Don’t get me wrong, he is a wonderful Quarterback, and leader for the team, but we focus way too much on him and not enough on our rising stars such as Woodhead, and Green-Ellis. Too often I hear people talk about how ‘hot’ Tom Brady is, and as a woman, yes, he is drop-dead gorgeous, but number one, I don’t go for the long hair, and two, looks do not make up a player- talent does. We’re overlooking other players, and focusing on one, and even though Tom Brady is an excellent Quarterback, we need to remember that there’s 52 or so other members on the team.

Are there other Patriots fans in Ireland? 
The NFL is gaining fans around the world, but as it’s extremely hard to view the games there, it probably won’t surpass Gaelic Football. There are games on TV there- rarely. You basically have to watch it online, or order a very expensive, special channel. 

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It’s official, my Mankins has been franchise tagged. Did anyone out there really expect the Patriots weren’t going use every bit of leverage that they have? Of course not. The question now is which one of three ways this goes:

  1. Mankins plays the year under the Franchise Tag which would net him $10.1 million. Some sort of hold out might be likely in this situation.
  2. This was only a way to extend their bargaining window and Pats/Mankins work out a long term deal. 
  3. Pats find a suitable trade partner and unload him to a team they don’t have to see much of.

One small reason for optimism is that I can’t imagine the Pats really want to pay my Mankins $10.1 million this year. The trade price would be steep, certainly at least a 1st round pick.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/logan-mankins-patriots/

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The Patriots must find an outside wide receiver to help their inside passing game. If they draft a wideout – no matter how talented – his ability to help them in 2011 will be limited due to a lack of understanding of the offense. The Patriots need a veteran player who can keep up with where their offense is right now. They need someone who can hit the ground running.

So as the Patriots prepare their need list, they will know the free-agent or trade market can solve their receiver need, and the draft will have to solve their issues on defense. Marrying the draft with free agency is another element that should be happening for every team right now. The organizations that do this the best will have the best offseasons.

Michael Lombardi

How about Carolina’s Steve Smith?

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-must-find-an-outside-wide-receiver-to/

Gosselin: Patriots #1 Special Teams

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You might’ve already seen this report that Rick Gosselin, one of the most respected football writers out there, had the Patriots ranked number one in the NFL for special teams. 

Meanwhile Football Outsiders had them eighth. To be honest I think the Pats had a great start to 2010 from a Special Teams perspective but they were pretty average the rest of the way.

There are definitely some memorable moments… from Tate’s two kick returns for TDs, to the Miami game, Mesko’s punt in overtime against the Ravens, and Edelman’s punt return TD against the Dolphins, just to name a few.

Also making this more impressive is how much yardage they lost when Gostkowski went on IR. Shayne Graham was great replacing him at field goals, but his kick off distance was considerably shorter that Gostkowski’s.

Clearly their solid special teams play was a big part in going 14-2.