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Clare Cooper

Free Agency: The Tight Endage Report – and MUCH more! from Clazzy Clare

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Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Whilst the legal tampering period was opening up, and Patriots Nation’s vision was on where will JC Jackson go (LA Chargers for 5 years at $82.5 million, with around $40 million guaranteed) not forgetting the whole, will the Patriots take a top wide receiver, part of my gaze was focused on what was happening in the tight end rooms. 

And, I was rather interested to find many of the top free agent tight ends were re-signed or tagged by their original team. Now, I appreciate you might not be quite as interested as I in this, however, with the depth at the draft this year it may be quite significant that so many teams have stayed with their existing tight ends, even the rather cap strapped Dallas Cowboys tagged Dalton Schultz, but to be fair he is quite good, but I digress. 

We all know that the tight end position is one of the tougher ones in the NFL to play, and to develop within. It is utilised in pretty much all the range of offensive plays, meaning the plate of those big 6 foot 4-5-6 guys can get rather full. 

So, a quick league wide recap of who has gone and where in the tight end market:

Arizona maintained Zach Ertz for a further 3 years at $31.65 million. The Browns franchise tagged David Njoku, as did the Dolphins with Mike Gesicki. The Colts lost their long time tight end to retirement, and so the maintaining of Mo Alie-Cox on a 3 year $18 million deal wasn’t too surprising. They may have traded away their top quarterback, but the Seahawks kept Will Dissly on a 3 year $24 million deal. There was some tight endage shuffle as the aforementioned Seahawks obtained Noah Fant in one of the biggest trades the NFL has seen for a while. Evan Engram hopped over from New York (Giants) to Jacksonville on a 1 year $9 million deal and the other New York team, the Jets, pulled C.J Uzomah from Cincinnati on a 3 year $24 million deal. 

Okay, so now I have done my public service in making sure you lovely Patriots fans are aware what has gone on in the world of tight endage, I am here to update you on the rest! Just call me Miss Unliiiiiiimited…

Moving swiftly on! 

Unfortunately, it is with a heavy heart that I write Steady Teddy, Ted Karras, has gotten paid and is on route to Cincinnati on a 3 year $18 million deal. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am happy when a great player gets paid, but when it’s at the possible sacrifice of the offensive line, I’m sorry I can’t really be THAT happy. 

The possibly, most obvious move, and perhaps the most hated by many Patriots fans so far this season, is the jetting off of cornerback JC Jackson to sunnier climates. The LA Chargers scooped him up on a long deal of 5 years at $82.5 million. 

The Patriots did some quiet maintaining whilst big name wide receivers were moving around, some were having money practically thrown at them, in particular Jacksonville giving Christian Kirk a $72 million, possibly up to $84 million, 4 year deal, but as of yet the Patriots only receiver action was a second round restricted free agent tender on Jakobi Meyers.

The Patriots quarterback room maintains some stability with Brian Hoyer on a 2 year $4 million deal, as New England retains three fan favourites, and some grounding the team needs (in my humble opinion) during this rebuild, of Devin McCourty for 1 year at $9 million, Matthew Slater on a 1 year $2.6 million deal, and (thank goodness!) Nick Folk for 2 years at $5 million. James Ferentz has reportedly signed a contract with the Patriots but the terms have not yet been announced. 

So there you have it you lovely lot, free agency frenzy so far… and it’s only Tuesday morning! 

Franchise Tagging: The Tight Endage Report from Clazzy Clare 

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(AP Photo/Stew Milne)

The significant amount of tight end talent that hit free agency was eye-watering and rather bittersweet if you are a tight end enthusiast whose team isn’t going to target tight endage in free agency. But that’s okay, Hunter Henry is special enough for me.

But I digress. With the franchise tag of David Njoku, the Browns are set to put down just over $10 million for him in 2022, so there’s one off the list. 

But the total available tight endage is still significant with some epic strength and ability. Did someone say Rob Gronkowski?

Now, Rob may be utilising the gymnasium equipment at the Tampa Bay facility, but he is still currently set to be a free agent. Not only that, there is a second name belonging to the Bucs on the list in O.J Howard, and the Bucs saved their franchise tag for wide receiver Chris Godwin, whilst a lot are wondering who will be throwing to him… 

Tampa Bay aren’t the only team that may need to double dip when it comes to drafting or signing some nice tight endage. 

The Tennessee Titans let their two tight ends hit free agency in Anthony Frisker and Geoff Swaim, as well as the Miami Dolphins Durham Smythe and for a time their elite guy, Mike Gesicki was atop of the free agency tight end list until he was tagged yesterday. The Colts are two guys down also with Jack Doyle announcing his retirement, and Mo Alie-Cox a free agent as I write this. 

As the list goes on, obviously the teams with available spots do too. Very familiar household tight end names such as Schultz from the Cowboys, Ertz from the Cardinals and Engram from the Giants were all in the mix. Poor Kyle Pitts may end up being THE Atlanta offense, but that’s a different topic entirely. 

Surprising to some, the Cowboys tagged a favourite target of Dak Prescott in Dalton Schultz. With just under an $11 million hit on the cap, I can see why many were surprised, not only that but the Cowboys are presently well over the relevant cap limit for this year. Some renegotiating of current players deals will probably sort all that out, and when you have a decent quarterback to work around, you do the best you can to keep his top talent within reach. 

Most of this is much of a muchness if you’re a Patriots fan of course. With the price tags on Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith last year, you wouldn’t think Coach Bill is interested. However, this list, and available spots, could have a reverse impact on the Patriots. 

I’m one of those people who wasn’t all in on Jonnu Smith, but has no issue with him remaining in New England, and increasing his production in year two. 

Some fans would be happy to trade him away, there’s always the fact that his lacklustre 2021 stats might not make him a great sell, but you never know. 

The possibility of something else intrigues me much more than the slim possibility of Smith not being a Patriot for the 2022 season, and that is Devin Asiasi. 

If you’re interested in my work, you will have seen/heard/read my pondering over this tight end for, well, two years now. Multiple reasons have eaten into why we haven’t seen much out of Asiasi, but at the end of the day, on paper he is a young tight end, would go for quite cheap money, and may still be developing, so easily fittable into the right program… possibly?

Another name of a tight end Patriots fans haven’t heard much of when it comes to games, is Dalton Keene. A bit more of a H-back kind of versatile guy, he may hold a skill set the Patriots could need in a couple of years, but by then he will be working towards the end of his rookie draft deal, and didn’t really play within his first two with the team. August 2021 saw him under go season ending surgery to repair a meniscus injury and so, like Asiasi, 2022 may be show or go time. 

And so, with the franchise tag window closed, the clock ticks down to the legal tampering period, free agency, the draft, and all that jazz. We await the outcome of where these guys may end up. Okay… just me then?

Stay tuned for more tight end reporting as I keep an eye on free agency availability and collate my combine notes!

Can we get some love for the kickers!?

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Fluffs, field goals and frenzy! The divisional round weekend of playoffs in the NFL 2021 season.

In case you didn’t know, three of the four divisional match-ups last weekend came down to a field goal. Not only that, the fourth game was moved into overtime by a field goal… C-R-A-Z-Y for K-I-C-K-E-R-S! 

And the nuttiness doesn’t cease there!

T’was the second quarter in Tennessee, Derek Henry took the direct snap and powered through for a touchdown. The Bengals had too many men on the field and Vrabel changed his play, and the Titans went for two. Henry rushed to the right and was taken down, conversion failed. The craziness is, had they gone back to the original play, and just took the extra point the Bengals couldn’t have won in the final moments with a field goal. Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda. 

Obviously, that’s easy to say, and you could about many, many games… Cowboys fans look away now…

But this is the playoffs baby!

Next up were the 49ers at Green Bay, McDreamy verses McMVP? Well, that’s popular opinion (but if you have listened to the latest episode of A Clare Perspective the podcast, you’ll know we aren’t ALL under that Jimmy G handsome spell). 

So, the 49ers were going to regret they didn’t draft the greatness that is Aaron Rodgers? (Oh, I so wish you guys could hear my sarcasm right now.)

But, in all seriousness the 10 and 7 Niners were the 6th seed, and the Packers were number 1. Not only that, it was looking shaky for Jimmy G with a couple of injuries, including his thumb! Don’t forget AR’s poorly pinky toe… Sorry, sorry I will can it. 

So, my personal feelings aside, Aaron Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers had a super successful season going 13 to 4, and people thought this Packers team were going to be different. January hasn’t been a great month for Green Bay in the past. 

There was snow, there was a blocked field goal, but you could argue that the Packers lost this game more than the 49ers won it, however, the blocked punt for a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter by the Niners – pretty good. Either way, we witnessed some more franticness for the playoffs and the 49ers continued their journey to the Super Bowl with a 13 to 10 win at Lambeau Field. 

A headline in itself for the third game, “The Rams caused Tom Brady to draw his own blood!” The controversial penalty call on TB12, when the guy who hit him late didn’t even get slapped on the wrist, isn’t the only crazy thing that was seen in Tampa Bay. 

The Bucs kicker hit out of bounds twice, (not great Bob), Brady was under pressure far too often, and the Buccaneers were depleted by injury, unfortunately it showed. 

Tom Brady flung and slung, but sometimes he didn’t look like the GOAT we know, particularly when he threw too low for Gronkowski (anyone else think he was having a flashback and was actually looking for a certain cute squirrel? JE11, could just be me?). 

The Rams didn’t play a perfect game, so the Bucs left Cooper Kupp open too often, but he lost the ball at one point causing a turnover. And, I don’t know if Rams fans have arranged for that very early 4th quarter wild snap to Matt Stafford to be erased from history, but it was the craziest snap I may have ever seen, Stafford’s face was actually comical, I’m pretty sure he won’t see the funny side though.

And there at the end, as the game clock ticked down and it’s 27 to 27 did we witness another playoff winning field goal, and the Rams are one step closer to playing a Super Bowl in their own house.

The final game of the weekend was a doozy. It wasn’t quite as nut-job crazy as the others (well until the very end) but it was a battle of the elite. As much as it pains me to say it (you guys all know how much I dislike the Bills) this match up was one of some gifted players, and it came down to the toss of a coin, or did it? Don’t worry I am not here to start a fight, I’m moving along from that controversy.

So whether you think the ruling on the field should stand, that it is on a defense to get the ball back, or that each team should get a touch of the ball, at the end of the day Patrick Mahomes took less time to get a field goal, 13 seconds (yep, that’s right another important field goal) than it did for Dak Prescott to run… you know what, let’s not go there…

And so there you have it folks, another wild weekend of football, as we get one step closer to the almighty Super Bowl let’s take a moment to thank the kickers, ‘cos without them where ever would we be?

Go Pats!

The not so grand finale to the Patriots season

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Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots repeat visit to Buffalo resulted in another blow out, of the touchdown kind, as the Bills won 47 to 17. 

I gotta say, I like that the Pats denied the Bills of the fifty burger, but I shall put my visceral Bills hatred aside for the moment. 

I won’t sum up the game this time as frankly, I don’t think any Patriots fan wants to relive it, and if you haven’t seen it I’d rather not be responsible for traumatising you. Needless to say, the Patriots weaknesses were made rather obvious under the late night lights, and they just couldn’t get it done.  

But, that’s all the doom and gloom you’re getting from me folks. Sure, the Patriots only just made it to the playoffs, yes there are plenty of holes to be worried about, players and possibly personnel, but this is the rebuild of a dynasty baby! 

It is not about the destination, it is about the journey, and all this is still pathway!

The Patriots picked a new quarterback and he’s good, and who knows his potential?! Okay, he isn’t a playoff game winning QB, this year, and we may have seen some of his limitations, but he’s the only rookie to make the play offs. A smart kid with determination and dedication, leadership and heart. Let’s shoot for the moon Pats fans, and whilst we are there, we don’t want to miss the stars. 

Now, I know I’ll be criticised for glass more than half full attitude, but that just how I try to be. I am also realistic, I say when things aren’t great, and that was the offensive line earlier in the year, then the secondary, special teams, oh and about that so called dominant defence… 

So yeah, the QB is a rookie who’s potential could be limited, there’s issues on both sides of the ball and less cap space to play with next season, and the Patriots only got as far as the play offs. But we got through it, together. Patriots Nation had a team to root for, a team to be disappointed in as well as proud. And, we had each other. 

It’s been a rough couple of years and we’ve sought solace in sports, and hopefully in each other. 

This isn’t the end Patriots Nation, it’s another new beginning!! With Mac Jones, David Andrews, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Hunter Henry,  Rhamondre Stevenson, Adrian Phillips, Christian Barmore, (hopefully) Big Kick Nick Folk and many others, we can see the team build up once again. Remember it is not just the one, but the sum of the parts. 

Sport is a cruel mistress sometimes, and that is how it goes.  However, try to be thankful for all that you do have, be the light in someone’s day, and just thank goodness you aren’t a Jets fan… 

As some of you know, I have lost loved ones during the last 18 months, as I am certain many of you have too, it’s been tough. And so, I dedicate this article to all those loved and lost.❤️

The Patriots fizzle out in Miami

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Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

If the game against the Jaguars was a burger (get it, fifty burger) then the game against the Dolphins was those few limp, soggy, skinny fries at the bottom of the brown paper bag. Ew.

The Patriots are renowned for heading to Miami and not doing great, and well, Sunday was no different.

This season has been an inconsistent one for many teams as well as the Patriots. I mentioned earlier in the week that I was concerned the Dolphins were generally out for vengeance following the spanking they took by Mike Vrabel’s Titans. And i’m not too sure if what we watched was vengeance, but it felt to me simply that the Patriots lost the game rather than the Dolphins won it, but that’s all semantics for this 24 to 33 result.

Now, the Patriots didn’t need to win, and the Dolphins future is the same if they did or didn’t, but still, as a Patriots fan you can’t watch that match up and not worry about the length of time the Patriots will be in the playoffs.

The Patriots run defense did not do its job, the defense itself did not look like the line we have been used to watching lately. There are many questions and few answers, but the loss of Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Dugger, as well as Myles Bryant did not help matters. 

To compound the issue, the bright spark of Matt Judon we had at the beginning of the year seems to have really dimmed lately. 

And not to kick ya whilst you’re down, but the awesomeness that is Christian Barmore suffered an injury and is uncertain for any further games in the near future.

I love me a good take away, food and football, but Devin McCourty needed to make that interception catch and in hindsight it could have really turned the game around, there’s no guarantee of course but still…

But you know what folks? It isn’t all doom and gloom. Brandon Bolden, Damien Harris, Jakob Johnson and Hunter Henry came to play. These guys have shown up and owned up this season and have been the light in some of our darker days, and I know I’m a tight end enthusiast but you know I’m only speaking the truth about that Los Angeles pick-up.

The second quarter gave us some fab blocking by Kendrick Bourne for the Bolden touchdown. Unfortunately, the next offensive play the Patriots undertook had a great block by Hunter with Mac airing it out to… Bourne and Meyers having a chat. Okay so I am exaggerating, and we have no idea who was at fault but that play, not great Bob.

Kendrick Bourne still flashed his infamous smile, and proved he was definitely worthy of his free agency signing as he gave Dolphins linebacker Phillips a piggy back down the field! 

And so Patriots fans, that is the regular season fizzling out there, but, BUT, the Patriots are in the playoffs with their rookie quarterback, in a year that covid is still on the horizon. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m not certain about how sure I was that they would get this far in the first real rebuilding season, so it all feels quite positive when you look at the bigger picture. 

Either way, we are on to Buffalo! Go Pats!

Another fifty burger in foggy Foxborough!

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Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Happy New Year Patriots Nation!

Apologies, I know I am a little belated, last week was my personal ‘bye’ week but I managed to catch that beautiful fifty burger that the Patriots served up! So, if you fancy a recap, missed the game, or just want something to read with that hot beverage you have there, sit back, relax and let’s enjoy it together, shall we?

The Patriots won the coin toss and chose to defer, and the first play the Jaguars made was a short left pass to a tight end! Number 89 Luke Farrell, to be exact. Now, I know this is mostly insignificant for Patriots fans, however, I am a tight endage enthusiast so I gotta get a little bit extra in where I can. 

Okay, I shall move on.

Needless to say, the Jaguars first drive did not result in much, and they punted after only 2 minutes, but not before Dont’a Hightower registered his first sack in two years whilst Ja’Whaun Bentley took out two players! All the twos anyone?

Kristian Wilkerson had his first NFL reception with a nice floating ball across from Mac Jones. Wilkerson did attempt to get that oh so desired YAC, but with three guys on him, there’s only so much a 6 foot 1, 214 pound wide receiver can do! 

The Patriots continued with Jakobi Meyers in great motion for the first down and Hunter Henry bringing the blocking. Tight endage baby!

And all that was in the first five minutes of the game in foggy Foxborough.

Trent Brown is a force to be reckoned with, as we know, but there was a play, with about 7 minutes remaining on the clock where Brown blocked for the beast that is Rhamondre Stevenson, and the Jags number 27, cornerback Chris Claybrooks spots Brown hunting him down and makes a bit of a push to run off to the side, almost away from Brown. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like you see me blaming him!

The Jags defense were committed to stopping the run, they had a loaded defensive line but Damien Harris was having none of it, and his cut back and forth was like a beautiful dance, and the next play he cha cha’ed a touchdown!

The end of the first quarter almost saw some controversy, depending upon which side you were rooting for. Bentley almost had his fingers on a Trevor Lawrence throw that was followed by a 40 yard catch for the Jags that Jalen Mills seemed to have his hands upon, but the Jags made their next play very quickly, and the matter was dropped. A touch hinkey if you ask me, but hey, no one did. Go figure…

The Jags ended the play with the field goal, and the Patriots had the ball again. 

The second quarter saw Stevenson fighting through for the run, Harris power running, with an epic block by Kendrick Bourne, and Hunter Henry with a 17 yard pick up. A li’l shake and a li’l wiggle too, nice tight endage!

Myles Bryant celebrated his birthday with an interception, his second of his career, another two, but the 13th for Trevor Lawrence… oof. 

Brandon Bolden continued to play strong and smart football, and the connections between Mac, Harris, and Bourne simply strengthened with a lovely little trick play. Mac followed that with a beautiful throw to Wilkerson, soft with just enough air, and Wilkerson scored his first career touchdown. 

Matt Judon had been a little quietly lately, and only just returning from the covid list it’s understandable, but they released the Judon! Only for him to be held and it not called as a penalty, ah this feeling of annoyance is so familiar this season…

JC Jackson solidified his “Mr Interception” status further for his 8th interception of the year, and the 25th of his career. Christian Barmore registered his first career solo sack, and it was just like Christmas all over again.

Myles Bryant’s birthday luck did not continue as he got a penalty call, I know I can be biased but it seemed a little weak. Both players put their helmets down and that rewarded the Jaguars a first down, however they were unable to produce, and the Patriots stormed on. 

Brandon Bolden made a glorious block that prevented a sack on Mac, only for the next play to result in Mac getting pressure from the left. But Mac rolled outside and got the ball to Hunter Henry on the move. Don’t you just love a bit of Mac to Hunter? 

Kyle Van Noy made a beeline for Lawrence and found his mark! Only for the next play to result in an interception by Kyle Dugger that he almost made into a touchdown. But the kid was smart, and he chose ball security over the glory and did his job. 

Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith continued to maintain their blocking prowess whilst the fly in the Patriot’s ointment had to be Chris Claybrooks. That Jags player was definitely an annoyance for the Patriots on Sunday. 

So there you have it folks, the Patriots look to be in the playoffs and are on to Miami… 

Go Pats!

The Patriots unable to reign in the Colts on the road at Indy

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Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Well hi there Patriots fans, I hope I find you well on this Sunday!

The winning streak, and the on-road winning streak, are all over for the Patriots in a crushing loss to the Colts.

It was said, going forward, this would be a difficult match up. These two teams were playing relatively even lately, and if the Patriots perhaps didn’t have such a slow start, this game would have been more of what I expected.

The Colts defense dominated the game, although in all fairness the Patriots defense didn’t completely lay down and roll over, but, the Pats offensive line didn’t have the best night, particularly Isaiah Wynn.

Mac Jones did not play the way he has been, airs of his rookie-ness were evident, possibly as a result of the offensive line issues, or maybe just as well as. Although, Carson Wentz didn’t exactly have a stellar game either.

This game recap is a difficult one to write, and not just because I need plenty of coffee, the “first three quarter Patriots” did not come to play this game. It took until the fourth quarter, but by then it was too late. 

We are back to a list of penalties, 8 for 50 yards, and 2 turn overs, not great Bob.

Sure, Rhamondre Stevenson had a couple of powerful runs, Ted Karras with a great block, and N’Keal Harry had an epic high jumping catch, but it just wasn’t enough against the Colts who played ahead for so much of the game. Even if Jamie Collins and Devin McCourty did have themselves a beautiful interception. 

Hunter Henry, always my favourite player, but he may have been Saturday’s best Patriot. Some great blocking, good catches, refusal to go down and oh, two touchdowns! 

But seriously, this wasn’t a pretty game if you’re a Patriots fan, a punt block for a return touchdown by the Colts can do that to ya, and I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a nap and a cup of “we are on to the Bills”.

Go Pats!