So NOW We Know Who Killed The Power @ The Superdome Sunday (devious work by Bud D)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/lolpats-so-now-we-know-who-killed-the-power/
A four-year deal worth $23 million ($5.75 million per year) would surpass the contract given to Chiefs tackle Eric Winston last year, and would put Vollmer in the rank and file among the top 10 right tackles in the NFL without holding the Patriots down for too long in the event his back doesn’t stand the test of time.
Why the Patriots Should Bring Sebastian Vollmer Back in 2013 | Bleacher Report
Great read from Frenz, and again, I think Vollmer should be the first priority this offseason. Protect TFB first then worry about who he’s throwing to.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/a-four-year-deal-worth-23-million-575-million/
I think this has to be an “attitude” draft for the Patriots. It was kind of clear to me that the Superbowl teams played a more physical football – and it should be no surprise that NE lost against both (including twice vs. Baltimore). The Patriots need to regain the edge as for being more physical against tough opponents. Brandon Spikes and Logan Mankins are nice, but more nastiness is needed. And my best guess at this point is that they will focus on DL and OL in the draft.
I don’t really subscribe to just trying to find guys with attitude. I think they’ve always, and will always, look for tough smart players, and I see a lot of physicality out of a lot of their guys even if they’re not the loose canon crazy types.
Spikes, Hightower and Mayo are all really aggressive. Patrick Chung will probably walk, but not because of his attitude or toughness, he just couldn’t hold up.
But I get what you’re saying, and I think a huge part that people miss is that this is a young defense that will continue to improve even without major personnel additions. They do have needs, especially at DT and DB, but I think the big pieces are in place. I also think that Tavon Wilson has a lot of potential, and showed some real physicality in select spots in 2012.
That leaves Vollmer, who ProFootballFocus rated as the No. 22 tackle in the NFL. In 617 offensive snaps, Vollmer allowed only 35 pressures. Along with second-year pro Nate Solder (rated No. 23 overall by the site), Vollmer represents a core piece of the team’s stability. Signing him now, going into his fifth year, should be the the team’s No. 1 priority.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/that-leaves-vollmer-who-profootballfocus-rated-as/
No defensive lineman has played more snaps over the last two years than Vince Wilfork
No defensive lineman has played more snaps over the last two years than Vince Wilfork
Exhibit #232 in my “Pats Need D-lineman” thesis…
Breaking down Pats roster by age – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Breaking down Pats roster by age – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
This really puts what kind of team the Patriots are into perspective. Everyone wants to compare them to the dynasty of last decade, but in reality this is a really young team, with a ton of significant players under 26.
Sure, Tom Brady and Vince Wilfork are a little older but the core of the team, especially on defense is all about youth. It bodes well for the long term.