PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Archives for February 18, 2016

Introducing the PatsPropaganda Forum

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As you’ve probably noticed things have been slowly evolving here on the new version of the site and today I’ve added a forum where we can chat. After moving on from Tumblr one of the things I liked but lost was the ability to take and answer questions through their platform, so I’m hoping that this forum will help replace that and give me a chance for some back and forth with you guys.

I’ve kicked things off with a couple questions about two areas I think are at the forefront this offseason — what kind of a third linebacker should the Pats pursue and what to do with Chandler Jones. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these topics and anything else that is weighing on your mind as we get going into Free Agency and then the draft.

You’ll find an easy link to the forum in the top navigation menu and as always, any thoughts, comments, tips, ideas, etc for the new version of the site are always welcome.

Bleacher Report/Frenz: Dion Lewis’ Health Is Critical in Complexion of New England Patriots Offense

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Good read from Frenz on Dion Lewis, who gave us possibly the most unexpectedly exciting seven-plus games from a running back in Patriots history. He also gave us maybe the biggest buzz kill of the season when he tore his ACL against the Redskins in a non-contact situation.

Just fascinating how Lewis, who had been kicking around the league and dealing with injuries for a few years, could suddenly show up, seamlessly fit into the offense and look like the second coming of Barry Sanders. There’s no question if Lewis remained healthy this would’ve been a totally different and more multi-dimensional offense in the playoffs, and one that would’ve been nearly impossible to stop.

Like most previous season ACL injuries, Lewis will likely be brought along slowly, but having James White already locked in is good insurance to manage Lewis’ snaps. I’d take the same approach they took with Gronk in 2014. Slowly bring him back with the goal of having him healed and raring to go by late December.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdZJk1xtU00

 

Source: Dion Lewis’ Health Is Critical in Complexion of New England Patriots Offense | Bleacher Report

Malcolm Butler 2015 Highlights

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No one really knew what the Patriots had with Malcolm Butler heading into 2015. Of course we knew he made one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history (along with a couple other impressive pass breakups before that), but to the casual fan it was easy to think Butler could be a one-hit wonder who would fade back into the unknown.

The thing about Butler though was that he was making plays on the ball from the moment he stepped on the field in training camp in 2014. Every single practice report had Butler always around the ball and that’s a skill that can’t be taught. Behind the scenes, Butler had shown enough in 2014 for Bill Belichick to believe the Super Bowl hero could be the Pats’ best corner in 2015 and he was right.

When the Patriots declined options on Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, and then also dumped Alfonzo Dennard and Kyle Arrington it seemed like a head scratcher. Personally I was pissed because I just couldn’t believe the Patriots would go back to more zone-heavy defensive coverage. It’s just not practical in today’s NFL, yet most of the pundits simply assumed it to be the case without a “shutdown” corner like Revis.

Well Butler (and Logan Ryan) proved them all wrong. They allowed the Patriots to primarily stick with the Cover-1 Man Robber coverage, with Ryan usually taking the bigger receiver and Butler taking the other, often faster one. The thing about Butler in his first year as a starter was that he gave up very few uncontested catches. Anything he gave up, the ball missed his hands by mere millimeters. Some might knock Butler for that, saying that he needs to work on his hands, but it’s truly the sign of a special corner. He’ll start picking off those passes soon enough, and that’s if quarterbacks keep throwing at him.

And another great sign, was even when Butler gave up a big play, he always bounced back.

Add in his feisty, competitive gameday attitude and fearless tackling, and it’s not a stretch to say Butler is the best young cornerback the Patriots have had since Ty Law. Now with more experience he’ll be even more prepared to face the game’s best wide receivers. The sky’s the limit for Butler and there should be a new contract coming to him in the next year.