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Archives for August 2016

Top 7 “Look We Beat the Patriots!” NFL Youtube Games

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As many of you may or may not have heard, the NFL has uploaded 96 games as voted by fans, three per team, to Youtube. Every team obviously has a minimum of three games, some have many more, some have many less. The Patriots have the third most games available, a total of 10 (the Packers and Cowboys are tied with thirteen each).

Many of the games voted for show quite a recency bias, and also who teams are VERY excited to beat. The other fans hate our Patriots. You already knew that and so did I.

Let’s take a look at the seven games voted by other teams fans and relive them a little, ranked by heartbreak, and also ranked by what we learned:

7: Monday night football at Carolina, November 18 2013

This game had the lowest stakes of all the games, it barely puts up a fight. It has distinctiveness for several reasons: The Patriots were beaten after a bye week, which is quite a rarity around Belichick coached teams. This was the game that it became clear that Aqib Talib wasn’t a big subscriber to “The Patriot Way”, losing his cool because of some personal nonsense with Steve Smith.

Finally, and most importantly, it was a national stage for the (un)official unveiling of the “Shaq Rules” for Gronk, where he gets officiated differently both for and against due to him being so much bigger and so much stronger than anyone that is tasked with covering him.

6: Super Bowl XX vs Chicago Bears, 1985 season

The Patriots were just incredibly overmatched (as would have been basically anyone in that game), and it took no time for that to become evident. All stories seem to reflect a very “happy to be there” attitude for the fanbase, as it showed hope for future versus a not so great pastfor the Patriots at that point.

This was also the “not quite” decade for Boston/New England sports. The Celtics won titles in 1981, 1984 and 1986, The Bruins made Stanley Cup appearances 1988 and 1990, the Red Sox made the World Series in 1986, and the Patriots were in this Super Bowl in 1986. Growing up in the 90s and barely remembering 80s sports, my dad always mentioned how everything was so close to great. Glad we got to see that fully come to fruition twenty years later.

5: AFCCG vs Ravens, 2012 season

This game was uglier than it showed on the scoreboard, and it was quite a frustrating game to watch. Talib goes down in an AFC Championship game, Gronk rebroke his arm the week before versus the Texans, Edelman was stuck covering an Anquan Boldin that was playing out of his mind, perhaps accidentally inhaling some deer antler spray owned by Ray Lewis in the locker room. We can’t prove whether that did or did not happen, so let’s launch and investiga……..nah.

4: Superbowl XXXI vs Green Bay, 1996 season

This one felt so close, yet so far. Everyone could smell the potential comeback when the Patriots scored to be down seven before Desmond Howard returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. In hindsight, we all know if it was close and there was a potential comeback, Drew was throwing a 4th quarter pick. Drew Bledsoe, if you’re reading this, I apologize for that dig. Please send me a bottle of Doubleback (free plug for your wine. We good?).

3: AFCCG at Colts, 2006 season

HOW DID THEY LOSE THIS GAME. Period, not question mark. The first half had all the makings of a complete and total rout, and it’s almost as if they convinced themselves it was all over after the Asante Samuel pick-6. They were absolutely winning the Super Bowl if they hung on here. Despite the loss, this game holds a special place in my heart because of the amount of offensive lineman touchdowns (Logan Mankins and Jeff Saturday). Unfortunately, this also officially kicked off the “Peyton Manning can beat Brady!” train, which made for a great rivalry but also was the beginning of the end of being able to really poke fun at Peyton without recourse, and who among us Patriot fans didn’t love those days?

2: AFCDG vs Jets, 2010

Six weeks earlier, the Patriots absolutely destroyed the Jets on national television. This time, the Jets defense came in like bullies, and the Pats D allowed Mark Sanchez to look like a god in this game. Gross. Kudos to Rex Ryan for having a plan and executing it perfectly, let’s all hope that this game is his crowning jewel, and never to be matched, replicated, or topped.

1: Super Bowl XLII

Okay, we all know that this game is the helmet catch. The Eighteen-and-one. This one still stings. What did we learn? How to cope with having it all and losing it. I’m sure for other fan bases, this season echoed every superhero movie that exists: “That menacing villain is so powerful! How can they be stopped?! Save us, hero!”, and somehow, in the final battle, it all went to hell.

To end this on a happy note, the three games selected by Patriots fans were Superbowl 36, Superbowl 49, and The Snow Game vs the Raiders. We’re lucky to have many great memories, as is obvious by the healthy amount of respect shown to the Patriots from other fanbases.

A New England Tradition: 15th annual Travis Roy Foundation Wiffle Ball Tournament

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPm42Oai4jc

The 15th annual Travis Roy Wiffle Ball Tournament will be taking place next weekend so we wanted to take a quick break from training camp coverage to help get the word out.

As a few of the lucky ones to have been in Trav’s orbit before and after his injury, his story is that of a life interrupted that became a life much more impactful than that of his dreams. Travis Roy is a beacon of light and a gravitational force and we wanted to alert anyone who was interested in donating to the amazing Travis Roy Foundation.

The Foundation is currently holding its annual fundraising push with its 15th annual WIFFLE ball tournament with replicas of Fenway, Wrigley and the Field of Dreams, appropriately enough (Contributor Jamie Conway’s brother, Ian, is on the “Hardshells” in case you want to boost their fundraising, or Trav manages “The Point”).

New England is lucky to have a man like Trav among its citizens, a person who perseveres despite seemingly insurmountable hardship. If you’re interested, please donate. It’s an amazing program he’s created.

Mike D. note – I played against Travis in high school and was amazed to discover that Jamie and I shared a connection to him. His injury had a profound effect on me having achieved my own dream of playing college hockey at the exact same time. To see it taken almost immediately away from him almost instantly, a player I had competed against and had enormous respect for, gave me a new perspective on my own career and pursuits. Please support Travis’ foundation if you’re able to! And if you’re unfamiliar with his story, the video above tells the heart wrenching story.

Hello Injuries: Patriots Wounded in the Trenches

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Bright Spots

The first day of camp was extra special for Patriots left tackle Nate Solder. It was the first time he was able to share a football field with his son Hudson. Both father and son have battled extensive health issues in the last year. Seeing Dad in uniform and Hudson present certainly made the first day of practice special.

Another long time Patriot reappeared out of retirement in hope of improving the offensive line. Dante Scarnecchia is back and he brings extensive coaching experience in the trenches. There will be some tight position battles and Scar will be in charge of improving the unit that protects Brady.

Rookie offensive guard Joe Thuney has come into camp and captured attention immediately.  Jeff Howe and other members of the media cited his strength engaged with defensive opponents and his finish on every play. Since Thuney is a strong fundamental offensive lineman he can potentially work on playing tackle in addition to guard. Many suspect that is already the plan.

First Impressions

The first offensive line group consisted of Solder-Thuney-Stork-Cooper-Cannon. During camp these starting groups are subject to change every day. There will be injuries and various reasons that cause the first group to fluctuate.

Joe Thuney and Jonathan Cooper are favorites to win the starting guard job according to some Patriots analysts. Sebastian Vollmer and Nate Solder as expected to return to their starting roles at tackle. The center position is up for grabs between David Andrews and Bryan Stork.

 

Tackle Health

The main positional weakness of the offensive line in 2015 still remains; it’s not injury. It’s the tackles that protect the edge of Brady’s pocket.

Nate Solder has returned to practice. Sebastian Vollmer has not. Solder tore his biceps in week five of this past year and was placed on the season ending IR. It appears that the big money tackle has recovered from his injury. Solder’s cap hit in 2016 is $10,322,666.

Sebastian Vollmer’s situation is concerning. At age 32, Vollmer has opened camp on the PUP list. If he is not activated by the end of camp, Vollmer misses the first six weeks of the season. The right tackle enters 2016 on the last year of his contract with a cap hit totaling $5,208,334. There is no heir apparent at right tackle. It is unlikely Vollmer is resigned in New England at his age.

Marcus Cannon returns after a highly criticized campaign in 2015. He was simply ineffective throughout his season. If Thuney cannot capture a starting guard role, it’s very possible that he beats out Cannon as the swing tackle.

Cameron Fleming, LaAdrian Waddle, Keavon Milton, and Kerbyson Kyler are also listed as tackles for the start of camp. Fleming and Waddle will battle on the bubble with Cannon. Fleming offers more cap flexibility than Cannon ($4,100,000 lower) and has played both sides of the line.

The Patriots will likely only keep a total of three tackles on their active roster. Solder and Vollmer are locks if healthy. The battle for third will likely feature Cannon, Waddle, and Fleming. Milton and Kyler appear to be long shots.

Strength at Center

One of the most interesting position battles of the offensive line is likely at center. Bryan Stork and David Andrews have both been outstanding in the majority of their starts. There has been mixed signals so far as to who would take over reigns when both players were healthy.

Stork’s health appears to be hindering his ability to battle for the position. Andrews returned to Patriots camp and captured the off-season conditioning award from the coaching staff. His play has also been strong since Stork dropped due to an unspecified issue or injury in an early practice.

At some point the Patriots will have to make a decision at this position. Right now it appears the goalposts are narrowing with Stork’s absence. Andrews is taking all of the work with the ones, putting in the dirty work as Stork continues to miss time.

Crowded, Injury Riddled Group of Guards

As mentioned before, Thuney and Cooper were mentioned as favorites to win a starting guard role. There are several other guards battling for the position including Shaq Mason, Tre’ Jackson, Josh Kline, Ted Karras, Chris Barker, and Jon Halapio.

Usually a team only keeps nine offensive linemen on a game day roster; right now the Patriots have nine offensive guards in camp. Thuney, Cooper, Kline, Jackson, Mason are the linemen with the highest probabilities of landing on the roster.

The hype for Jonathan Cooper would not last long. He would be carted off with a right foot injury in one of the first practices. Cooper is apparently battling plantar fasciitis. This situation may be related to his condition according to Ian Rapoport. Cooper was a high draft pick and has experienced an injury riddled and disappointing career. He was acquired in the deal that sent Chandler Jones to the Cardinals. If he cannot get back to health his career may come to a premature end.

When Cooper dropped out due to injury rookie Ted Karras was promoted to the first offensive line group. In my draft analysis Karras appeared to be a lineman who needed a season of practice squad work. He is a tough player but not yet fundamentally sound. Much like any other NFL rookie at this point.

Shaq Mason and Josh Kline have not been cleared to participate in team drills. Both are recovering from injuries from this past year. Mason battled through a knee injury in October 2015.  Kline had shoulder surgery during the off-season and Jeff Howe reported it was, “unclear when he’ll be ready to practice”. Tre’ Jackson is also still on the PUP due to injuries from last season. This leaves a total of four guards unavailable to Scarnecchia.

The Walking Wounded

When a rookie guard is your standout offensive lineman in the early days of camp it’s a testament to where the position group is as a whole. With or without Dante Scarnecchia, this group still has work to do. Kline, Mason, Jackson, Stork, Vollmer, and Cooper are not cleared as full participants for practice. This leaves two rookie guards (Thuney, Karras) playing on the first offensive line group.

Pretty much an offensive line coaches’ worst nightmare early in camp. When the group is low on bodies, more stress weighs down on the healthy players. They battle more and more in camp, and are susceptible to wear and tear.

Right now Scarnecchia is at least getting the chance to evaluate his young players. With a mass of linemen out due to injury it forces the young guys into the spotlight early in their careers. It appears Joe Thuney gets the picture. He’s played hard right through the whistle in every practice.

The Bottom Line

It’s simply too early to judge much of the play through this point in camp. Some Patriots lineman still haven’t returned from last season’s injuries.

Nate Solder appears to be the only definite starter on the offensive line. It’d be a shock if Vollmer isn’t the bookend on the right side of Brady’s pocket. Cam Fleming, Marcus Cannon, and LaAdrian Waddle battle for a third roster spot.

Guard is a mess but returning Patriots veterans should have the upper hand over Jonathan Cooper. He is already out due to injury and Josh Kline and Shaq Mason are close to returning. Rookie Ted Karras should be bumped back down in the rotation immediately. Joe Thuney has likely given himself a shot to remain with the ones due to his strong, passionate play on the line. Tre’ Jackson will also return at some point and provide further depth at the position.

It might be better for the Patriots long term if Thuney doesn’t win a starting job at guard. It would give him the opportunity to work at Tackle and potentially allow the Patriots to release Marcus Cannon. Thuney’s strong play could provide roster flexibility further down the line.

The job at center is highly contested. Right now it’s a one man job due to unspecified reasons. Bryan Stork left practice in an earlier season and hasn’t appeared since. David Andrews has been strong at center and could win the job. Stork’s injuries have begun to add up.

My early guess for the first group is Solder-Mason-Andrews-Jackson-Vollmer.