PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Archives for March 2014

New England Patriots scout’s view: Brandon Browner – ESPN Boston

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New England Patriots scout’s view: Brandon Browner – ESPN Boston

At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Browner is perhaps the most imposing and physical cornerback in the NFL. He can swallow up wide receivers at the line of scrimmage with his length and power, while he can also be an impact tackler in the running game and open field. He has a large catch radius and sufficient ball skills. He can play press-man coverage and hold his own against split out tight ends, too.

Interesting stuff here on Browner and I think it’s safe to say we can rule him out for moving to strong safety or even playing in the slot against tight ends. He likely needs the sideline to keep his from having to move horizontally.

The real question is do the Pats play matchup with Revis and Browner or do they let them stay on each side like Seattle did with Browner? Because if they’re playing matchup and I’m an offensive coordinator, I’m putting Browner’s guy in the slot as much as possible and making him chase my guy across the field.

And if they’re playing sides I’m putting my best receiver away from Revis. Pats still have a number of options, but it will be interesting to see what they do each week (which of course, will change constantly).

Update: Browner just dropped this on his conference call. Clearly he has a lot to learn about how things are done in New England. Ssssssh!

if wilfork goes, do they try to replace him with a similar rookie DT? if said rookie is taken, and who else would value a run stuffing dt in this pass happy league, does it change what they try to do on defense? essentially, the defense has been wilfork centric, do you see it continue to be so?

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Wrote about this last week in depth, check it out here.

Maybe you pick up a big fat nose tackle later in the draft, but I don’t see the value it taking someone like Louis Nix III in the first round just because he has similar dimension to Wilfork.

Wilfork was a one-of-a-kind player, not just a nose tackle. 

My whole philosophy on defense now is that it has to be geared to stopping the pass. If a player can’t cover or rush the passer, his impact will be limited.

So far it seems like the Pats have stuck to this philosophy this offseason -> Revis/Browner, letting Spikes go. I just think we really need that third defense end and it’s becoming less and less likely they find a real impact guy in free agency. This does worry me a bit, but there’s a lot of time left.

Assume they add a mid-range vet defensive end (which I’m sure they will), then I think defensive end becomes more and more of a draft need and serious round one consideration, over defensive tackle for sure.

And I’m still hopeful that Wilfork sees the market out there for him isn’t all that intriguing and he comes back to the Pats. That would be ideal.

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What a great weekend filled with Pats goodness on NFL Network’s dynasty week. Makes you realize how special Brady-to-Moss was, and how quickly it was over.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/what-a-great-weekend-filled-with-pats-goodness-on/

Patriots Mock Draft: Fresh 7-Round Predictions Post-Week 1 of Free Agency

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Patriots Mock Draft: Fresh 7-Round Predictions Post-Week 1 of Free Agency

Good morning and Happy St. Patricks Day/Monday! Kicking off the new week with a mock draft from B/R cohort James Christensen.

The 2014 Pats have really started to take shape in the last week with some exciting additions. You almost forget they still have a full haul of rookies to add.

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A rival assistant general manager said the Patriots came out on top in the Revis-Talib swap, and said the prospect of Revis being coached by Bill Belichick is “scary.” “He’s going to give them the same benefits he gave Rex [Ryan],” the assistant GM said. “When you want to create pressure on the quarterback, you have a lockdown corner.”

NFL teams spend early part of free agency spending – Sports – The Boston Globe

https://www.patspropaganda.com/a-rival-assistant-general-manager-said-the/

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[LaFell] aligned in various spots in the game, and was often used in motion. He played on the outside in two-receiver sets, although the Panthers often had two receivers to the same side, and in those cases, LaFell would usually be aligned as the inside receiver. In the three-receiver set, he would mostly be in the slot as the Panthers seemed to want the speed of Steve Smith and Ted Ginn outside. LaFell showed good hands (e.g. tough sideline catch for a first down), precise route-running (e.g. 9-yard slant for a touchdown against Logan Ryan) and strength as a blocker (e.g. he leveled defensive end Andre Carter on one play). LaFell doesn’t wow with speed and might be summed up best this way – a solid-not-spectacular receiver with good size (6-2, 210) and versatility. He also boasts potential as a red zone target, and he’s been durable in his four years in the NFL (just four games missed).

Thoughts on LaFell agreement – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN

https://www.patspropaganda.com/lafell-aligned-in-various-spots-in-the-game-and/

Patriots sign Brandon LaFell to a three-year deal

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The Patriots added another receiver Saturday after Julian Edelman, locking up Brandon LaFell to a three-year deal.

After a hot streak seems like there are plenty of Pats fans lukewarm on this signing, but I just see it as business as usual. Another mid-range vet who will be given a chance to compete. Sometimes those players actually are just JAGs, other times they turn into Ninkovich.

You can never tell who will blossom under elite coaching and elite quarterback play. But LaFell has good size and has improved in each of his four seasons.

It’s about competition and depth. How will it turn out? We’ll find out in August.