Analysis

New England Patriots 2016 Game-by-Game Prediction

September 5, 2016 by Mike Dussault

I’m not really big on predictions, but barring something huge new england patriots 2016 prediction happening (and I won’t even mention what kind of huge) the Patriots’ season will come down to one final play in the playoffs.

If they make that final play, whether it’s coming from behind or getting that final stop, there’s a good chance they’ll be Super Bowl champs.

That’s how good, and how much of a well-oiled machine Bill Belichick’s team is at this point of his tenure.

The schedule is a difficult one and you must embrace that challenge, because if you spend all season just waiting for the playoffs, there’s a good chance you’re going to miss all the fun football games.

If 2007 taught us anything, it’s how much you must cherish the regular season, even with it’s ups and downs, even with injury attrition, all of it. Then the playoffs roll around, you hold your breath and hope the bounces go your way.

Here’s one blogger’s loose prediction of how 2016 could unfold.

Bishop Sankey’s Potential Patriots Fit

September 4, 2016 by Pete Smith

The Patriots’ newest running back, Bishop Sankey is an exciting addition to a position group with a short-term job opening.

Sankey has played two seasons in Tennessee rushing 199 times for 762 yards and three TDs, while adding 32 receptions for 272 yards and one TD.

Sankey, a 2014 second round pick, will compete for a job as the Patriots 3^rd-down back in Dion Lewis‘ immediate absence. James White, a 2014 fourth round pick, is the incumbent at the position. Rookie DJ Foster is hoping to compete for playing time, while Brandon Bolden could also see some reps although his primary role is on special teams.

One More Week! Patriots Catchup on Stickergate, 53-Man and more

September 4, 2016 by Mike Dussault

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We’re just one week away from the start of the Patriots 2016 season, making today the last football-free Sunday until February. It’s hard to believe another offseason has gone by and here we stand, ready for one more run at this thing with Belichick and, eventually, Brady.

With all the focus on the 53-man roster over the last two days, it’s a good time to catch up on some things we might’ve missed and some of the more interesting news around the web today.

Here’s some of their stuff, along with some leftover thoughts as we turn all of our focus to the Arizona Cardinals.

Patriots 53-Man Roster Set (for now)

September 3, 2016 by Mike Dussault

The Patriots made all their necessary cuts today, getting their roster down to the required 53 players. Of course, things are still very fluid and there could be plenty of more movement over the next day or so. But for now, we get to overreact.

They cut a draft pick! But I loved that undrafted rookie! What happens if that guy gets hurt!

Yes, I’m sure you’re already as sick of those people as I am. Who cares. The Pats are stacked again.

Overall there were a few surprises, as there always are, but no true shockers. There are certainly some spots of concern, but those could still be addressed in the next day or so as there are now plenty of available players on the open market, many of whom could potentially help in the Pats’ trouble spots: wide receiver, running back and offensive tackle.

Here’s how things shook out on the depth chart:

A Closer Look at Barkevious Mingo’s Patriots Debut

September 2, 2016 by Mike Dussault

Barkevious Mingo Patriots

Barkevious Mingo’s Patriots debut in the final preseason game of 2016 was an exciting one. Mingo has always had potential, that’s why he was the sixth-overall pick in 2013’s draft, but could never find a role on Cleveland’s defense and was playing more special teams than defense by 2015.

But now Mingo is in New England, where he’s surrounded by a loaded defense and under perhaps the best defensive coach of all time. While there were certainly a fair share of bright spots against the Giants, what is Mingo’s ceiling in New England and how might they employ his superlative quickness within their defense?

Let’s take a closer look with some GIFs courtesy of PatsProp contributor Pete Smith.

Final Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection

September 2, 2016 by Mike Dussault

It’s time for the final 53-man roster projection and to be honest I didn’t find it overly difficult. This team has come together pretty well and yes, I have TWO undrafted rookies making it, as is tradition with the Pats.

Here’s where I’m at, and it’s important to remember there will likely be a shocking cut that no one saw coming, or a free agency signing that’s impossible to predict. But if we stick with the guys who are currently on the roster, here’s who I would keep.

Friday PM Update – Mike Reiss reported Rob Ninkovich as been suspended four games for taking a banned substance, so that opens up a new spot. Geneo Grissom now get on in his place. It’s funny how suspensions can actually really help things at cutdown time.

Review/Preview: 5 Things We Watched and 5 Things to Watch

September 1, 2016 by James Conway

Patriots Super Bowl 36 Before we review preview, one thing I’m monitoring:

No contract extensions… … …

First, I love that Bill Belichick gets extensions done with players that strengthen the overall team in the least evaluated area of the game, special teams. It reminds me of the moment before Super Bowl XXXVI when they were announced as a team and that gives me chills and anything that does that is good. The Patriots for a decade and a half have been the ideal of a working organization, each piece doing their part (or job, to turn a phrase) to serve the greater goal.

But the marquee extensions of Matthew Slater (1-year) and Jonathan Freeny (2-years) don’t exactly make me feel good about the most important unit of this football team, the defense. Jamie Collins and Hightower (and Sheard and Butler) are huge cogs that play their parts extremely well in what could be an all-time Patriots defense and I’m beginning to fear we’re going to lose one of them. There’s always the chance that if nothing materializes in contract talks, one of them is on his way to Jacksonville or Detroit for a 1^st or 2^nd round pick. At this point, the best-case scenario is to hang on to them and go the compensatory pick or franchise-tag route.

All I can say is, I’ve got my prepper kit and a season’s worth of provisions in the bunker in anticipation of the Huckster Hurricane should Belichick pull the trigger. I urge Jim Cantore to get his LL Bean parka because level-5 “Shaughnessy Shitstorm” is building strength off the Atlantic coast.

On to the Review/Preview…

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