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Gregory & Fanene probably didn’t get many other calls [if any] but every FA is anxious so they jump on Pats [interest],” he said. “Both very versatile & play with great effort. That’s common denominator. Fanene DT/DE & relentless. Gregory both safeties & ST’s.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/gregory-fanene-probably-didnt-get-many-other/
» Is Everyone OK That the Patriots Haven’t Made a Splashy Move? Barstool Sports: Boston
Here’s Jerry Thornton, yet again being the voice of reason (or The Lorax who speaks for the wins), but sometimes I really wonder why some of my fellow Pats brethren are so enamored with every shiny object that flashes before their eyes. How many years of championship teams does Belichick have to put together before people stop freaking out that they don’t go after the big money free agents?
Look at the Super Bowl champions of the recent few years. There’s not a ‘big splash’ free agent on any of them, outside of maybe Drew Brees. The Giants, the Steelers, the Saints, and Packers were all built with a solid internal foundation while filling the cracks with free agents that fit.
It’s doesn’t get any simpler than the Pioli quote: “We’re building a team, not collecting talent”. I don’t know why it’s so hard for fans to wrap their brains around that one. Many would prefer to pay players for what they did on other teams rather than take care of our own free agents, and give hungry veterans prove-it contracts.
Every piece of talent that seems to fit a need becomes the object that we must have if we’re going to win another Super Bowl, yet little thought is given to the ramifications in the locker room, to the salary cap, and to the effect on the team’s quality depth from players one through fifty-three.
As always, sports are an outlet for people and everyone “enjoys” them in their own way. Far be it from me to demand positivity from everyone in the fan base, but if it gets to the point where they’re losing the forest for the trees it’s time to take a step back and realize it’s just business as usual in Foxboro, and no matter who we do or don’t add in March, we’re still the team to beat come September.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKId6hIxJZk
Top 10 Plays New England vs Washington Week 14, 2011 (by PatriotsRazorDotCom)
Happy Friday! You might want to mute this one… but good highlights.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/top-10-plays-new-england-vs-washington-week-14/
What a season Gronk had. Just starting to really appreciate it and wow do I hope he’s a Patriot for life. If he is he’ll have Brady for maybe the first half and then be the veteran tight end to the heir to the throne (not convinced it’s Mallet just yet). Of course a veteran tight end can be an inexperienced QBs best friend so hopefully he helps ease that horrible, horrible transition we’ll unfortunately have to go through at some point.
In the meantime I can’t wait to enjoy the few precious seasons of young meathead Gronk, and Brady still in his prime.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufkHymQEuqc
Greg Bedard reports that the Pats have come to terms with Dan Connolly, and also speculates that it likely means the end of the line for Dan Koppen in New England, which is the end of era.
We all took for granted how seamlessly Connolly replaced Koppen this year at center, which is no easy task. Clearly the Patriots like what he did and perhaps see a long term future for him there. Although I wouldn’t rule him out at guard either.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/greg-bedard-reports-that-the-pats-have-come-to/
The Patriots announced their second and third outside Free Agent signings today, finalizing a three-year pact with former Chargers Safety Steve Gregory, and defensive tackle Marcus Harrison.
Gregory was San Diego’s starter at safety in 2011, and while that’s not exactly a compliment, he played a lot of snaps and also has special teams experience.
Gregory and Harrison join Jonathan Fanene as the newest Patriots, while the team is also reportedly scheduled to meet with safety Laron Landry, wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez and DE/OLB Trevor Scott.
The Pats free agency plan is slowly becoming apparent: adding depth in the defensive front seven and at safety, while also kicking the tires on a wide out like Gonzalez. There’s no question the Pats lack depth at these positions and they are strategically rounding out the roster to protect themselves.
Fanene makes sense as the first singing as he projects to be the much needed situational pass rusher alongside a hopefully healthy Myron Pryor. For two seasons the Pats have lacked a true interior pass rushing threat due to injuries to Pryor and Mike Wright, forcing them to use Vince Wilfork in passing down situations, which is not his strength.
Most fans calling for pass rushers might not have realized it when Fanene signed, but he could be a significant part of the answer to the pass rush problems that have plagued New England, especially against the three-step drop passing game. The impact of a quality interior rusher is often understated, but against a team like Buffalo who like to get the ball out quick, interior rushers are invaluable. Especially one who can cause disruption like Fanene is known to do.
As always the Patriots are rounding out their roster at the positions they most lacked depth with mid-level veterans who may be devalued due to injuries or lack of playing time and/or opportunity. The aim is to go into the draft without a glaring personnel need. There could still be a talent need, but the base of competition at each position should be set.
What does this mean for the rest of the AFC East?
The Williams signing gives the Bills arguably the best defense in the division. While the New York Jets will certainly take umbrage with that statement based on their outstanding secondary, the Bills now have a defense that features playmakers on every level. From Williams and Dareus controlling the line of scrimmage to Nick Barnett and Jairus Byrd making critical plays in back seven, the Bills have a deep and talented lineup that can thrive against any offensive style.
In the AFC East, the unit has to match up against the New England Patriots’ diversified attack. The Pats place a premium on spreading the field with multiple formations and personnel groupings, while using the short passing game to stretch the defense horizontally. After watching the New York Giants’ front four throttle the attack in Super Bowl XLVI, the Bills now have the capability of using a similar approach in a pair of division games.
For the Miami Dolphins and Jets, the Bills’ revamped defense now possesses a front line to control the game in the trenches, neutralizing both teams’ ground-based attacks. The size and athleticism of the defensive line can create penetration at the point, allowing the linebackers to flow freely to the ball.
NFL.com news: Mario Williams takes stout Buffalo defense to next level
And on the third day of Free Agency Buffalo ascended to the top defense in the AFC East…