PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Mike Dussault

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Four Downs: AFC East

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FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Four Downs: AFC East

Hard to argue with the depth analysis here, though I’m really not worried about defensive tackle. I’ll worry if Wilfork, Armstead, Easley AND Kelly are ALL MIA for the first few weeks of training camp. If it looks like Siliga and Jones (who both have a lot of potential regardless) as the only healthy starters with no one but Vellano behind them, then I’ll worry. And I don’t think the Pats will go into camp with the tight end position looking like it does now.

Here’s FO’s favorite undrafted rookie:

Although there is some competition for places with more proven players and a player who was actually selected in the 2014 draft, it’s hard to look past Stephen Houston (Indiana) as the standout undrafted free agent for the Patriots. Houston is a running back who offers the Patriots some of the same properties that they are losing from LeGarrette Blount’s departure in free agency. Blount played a vital role for the Patriots during the second half of the season and starred in their two most convincing victories over the Ravens and the Colts.

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designingsport:

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos vs. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

https://www.patspropaganda.com/designingsport-peyton-manning-denver-broncos-2/

Which players will break out on offense & defense besides Dobson & Collins. Which under the radar players will surprise to team in your opinion

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Fun question, though to be honest I don’t think Dobson is a lock to breakout unlike some others. But here’s five guys I think will play a significant role this year.

1. Bryan Stork – I think he could very well be our starter at center for the forseeable future.

2. Michael Buchanan – Based on the lack of activity at defensive end, when so much attention has been paid to pass rush/coverage at other spots, I think the Pats are counting on Buchanan to be make a jump.

3. Duron Harmon – Really liked what I saw out of him in limited time last year – good range, solid and physical tackler. I think he’ll be an upgrade on Gregory and will be effective both in the box and on the back end.

4. Brandon LaFell – I think it’s quite possible LaFell is the starting X receiver this year. His physicality will be hard to ignore, especially if Dobson’s injury issues continue.

5. James White/Stephen Houston – Given the issues Vereen and Ridley have had throughout their first three seasons, I think White and Houston will be thrown into the fire early and often this year. I need to see them in preseason before knowing which will have the bigger impact.

Patriots release Mark Harrison, Sign LB James Anderson

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Pats added some much-needed linebacker depth today signing former Bear James Anderson. To make room they released WR Mark Harrison. Disappointed to see Harrison go, he had some great measurables but it once again proves that great size and speed don’t make for a great football player.

Anderson started all 16 games for the Bears last season, with four sacks and 85 tackles. At 6’3", 220 pounds he’s a little smaller than the Pats traditionally go at linebacker, but he has solid numbers in coverage and that’s likely where he’ll contribute most. 

He and Steve Beauharnais should go head-to-head to be the fourth linebacker on the field, with Anderson being a slight favorite unless it’s at mike. Anderson played some strong-side linebacker as well, but he’s probably too small for that in the Pats’ system.

Between Mark Anderson and James Harrison, this move is really quite confusing at the moment.

Here’s your updated depth chart: