PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Archives for October 16, 2012

by

Belichick and the Patriots continue to swing and miss with alarming regularity when it comes to drafting defensive backs. In the last decade, they’ve picked up some very good free-agent defensive backs – both high-profile guys like Rodney Harrison and unheralded guys off the street like Randall Gay. But of the 17 corners or safeties they’ve selected on draft weekend over the last 10 years, they’ve found one player of impact (Asante Samuel) and a few respectable additions (Devin McCourty, Ellis Hobbs and James Sanders).

patriots – Why drafting and developing defensive backs continues to be a struggle for Patriots – WEEI | Christopher Price

I just don’t get it. And the thing with Asante is that’s he pretty much a one trick pony… off-man, excels at zone reads. But he wasn’t playing man to man, or tackling a running back or anything, so BB let him walk. It’s mind blowing how no one can consistently improve in the Patriots secondary. Guys will have a good year, but no one can stack success.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-secondary-4/

Notes on PFF’s Patriots grades: Week 6 Seahawks

by

ProFootballFocus.com’s grades are out and here’s what stood out to us.

Best Offensive Grade: Ryan Wendell (3.3)

Worst Offensive Grade: Nate Solder (-2.7) and an especially horrid -4.9 in pass protection.

Best Defensive Grade: Devin McCourty (2.1)

Worst Defensive Grade: Kyle Love/Jermaine Cunningham (-2.1)

First things first, I think fans need to lay off of McCourty a bit. He’s not without his flaws, but he’s closest thing to a real professional defensive back that we have. He remains a building block as I see it, and would benefit immensely from a safety that he trusted over the top of him. He was targeted 3 times covering Baldwin and didn’t give up a catch to him.

Vince Wilfork was graded in the red for the 4th time in the last 5 games with a -2.0, including a -1.9 in run defense. We always take this ratings with a grain of salt, but by PFF’s measurements Wilfork is having a bad season.

Jermaine Cunningham played his most extensive snaps since 2010 but was still tied for worst graded defender. Myron Pryor could potentially compete for his role as a sub package interior rusher if he comes back this week. Cunningham does not seem to be excelling there and I’m starting to be unsure if he’s got a long term future in New England.

Kyle Arrington had a -1.2 in pass coverage, an area he’s graded negatively in every game. He’s finally been playing a role we thought he’d excel in (nickel slot) but his struggles continue. I also don’t think he’s got much more of a future with the Pats past this season unless it’s as a dime back.

Average outing for Brandon Spikes, really good in run defense/pass rush (1.4/1.2), bad in coverage (team worst -1.6).

Tavon Wilson got a 0.0 score in pass coverage. Not sure how that happens. The 46-yard game winning TD was the only credited catch on him.

Kyle Love has scored progressively worse and worse every game this season, except one minor spike up to 0.0 last week before falling to the team-worst -2.1 this week. Need more of an impact out of him.

Woodhead had a solid day and has stacked two solid back to back green scores for the first time in his Patriots career.

Mankins struggled in run blocking (-1.9), but was solid in pass coverage (1.4).

Brady was 3-for-3 for 101 yards and a TD throwing to the deep left. Rare.

Awful game for Ridley who was in the red in both the running game (-1.3) and passing game (-1.5).

Dan Connolly had an average score, but has been slowly improving in each game this season. Hopefully that trend continues and he’ll be in the green this week.

What are your thoughts on Richard Sherman and his less than graceful victory lap so to speak?

by

I’ve gotten a few questions about this over the past day and I had been trying to ignore it, but let’s just say this.

Dickie Shermanator is a good player and in his second year, with his team sitting at an astounding 4-2, he’s flying high. After watching a lot of film of the Hawks defense last week I was especially impressed with him. But his actions after the game certainly altered the impression I had of him. He’s had  a good start, but it’s not out of the question that him trash talking Brady is the most memorable event once his career is over.

Say little when you win, say less when you lose. That’s all the space Dickie Shermanator gets on my blog.

Shiancoe & Pryor status report – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

by

Shiancoe & Pryor status report – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Anyone who has been with this blog through the off-season knows I’m excited about what Myron Pryor could potentially add to the defense. The interior pass rush has been missing for two years.

Now I love Vince Wilfork, but getting him off the field on third and longs wouldn’t be the worst thing. Especially for someone who can get up the field and cause some chaos. We’ll see if Pryor has anything left to offer, but he could add a new element to the defense.