PatsPropaganda

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Archives for March 16, 2018

Patriots Bolster Front Seven with Adrian Clayborn

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

After grabbing Danny Shelton and Jason McCourty from the Browns, the Patriots added another solid and needed piece to their defense in Adrian Clayborn, a defensive end who should solidify an edge of their defense. As I wrote on Friday, the team needed another defensive end, a spot they struggled with last season after losing three veterans from the Super Bowl 51-winning team.

The Patriots gave Clayborn a two-year, $12 million deal, which is par for the course with them, similar to what the gave Jabaal Sheard a couple seasons ago. Clayborn will be 30 this summer, so he’s not a long-term answer but will give them instant toughness that they lacked in 2017, resulting in in-season moves like adding James Harrison late in the year.

I know everyone will get caught up in the sacks of it all, it’s just what us fans do, especially now that we’re being inundated with Clayborn’s six-sack performance against the Cowboys. We want production, but I’m less concerned with how many sacks Clayborn will give us and more about the strength and ability to win in the trenches.

That’s what the Patriots defense requires, especially from the hand-down defensive ends and that’s what Clayborn can give them. I’m sure he’ll drop a little in coverage, but his job will be to set the edge and dominate his blocker, not just getting to the quarterback. Simply put, Clayborn fits what they do, and should fit in really well.

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Patriots Free Agency Reset, Visits Rundown

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After re-signing Rex Burkhead and acquiring Jason McCourty via trade, the Patriots have picked up the pace of their free agency period the last two days, and with a number of visits reported there should be plenty more moves to come.

Once again there’s been plenty of outrage about the lack of big-name signings, which has left me wondering why people are far more enamored with an aging star over a promising player who never blossomed. The latter is always cheaper and come with far more upside. If anything the annoying part about them is they come to New England, resurrect their career and then move on to a bigger contract elsewhere. Guys like Akiem Hicks, Aqib Talib, even Brandon Browner are just a few that jump to mind in that regard.

The old stars get everyone excited because your mind immediately imagines them at the peak of their careers as if that is the player the Patriots are getting. Sometimes the Patriots do get one of those guys on a cheaper deal because they “want to win”, but most of the time they’re getting paid for past performance, not what they’re still capable of and that’s why the Pats avoid them.

Anyway, here’s a quick rundown of reported visits that the Patriots have scheduled and my thoughts on them. I try not to get too excited or invested when reports of interest or even visits are reported. Sometimes it’s smoke from the agents. Sometimes they can’t even pass a physical. Other times they leave and sign elsewhere. The point is, don’t get invested until they sign.

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