And the Summer of Gronk Part Deux has begun, full arm cast and all…
https://www.patspropaganda.com/and-the-summer-of-gronk-part-deux-has-begun-full/
All-Bruschi Team unveiled – ESPN Boston
All-Bruschi Team unveiled – ESPN Boston
Four Patriots make the list from Bruschi:
Ninkovich:
How many times does the seven-year veteran have to make plays to be recognized as a star? He’s played outside linebacker in the 34, defensive end in the 43 and also shows up on special teams at times, and while Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork receive a lot of the attention, Ninkovich has emerged as a clutch performer who delivers when his team needs it most. When the Patriots signed him a few days into 2009 training camp, he had just been cut by the Saints as a long snapper but he’s developed into much more than that for the Patriots.
Woodhead:
How can you not get fired up watching him play? At 5-foot-8 and 200 pounds, he’s one of the smaller players in the NFL, and yet he still breaks tackles and comes up big when his team needs it most. He’ll produce in different ways. Run between the tackles? Done. Get a first down on third-and-17? Done. Beat a ‘backer in man to man coverage? Done. He is a football player. Period. He may be this team’s captain.
Wendell:
He just finds a way to get the job done despite being undersized (6-2, 300), a bit slow, and not overpowering. You look at him and ask, “How has he managed to stay in the NFL?” He’s crafty, a little bit nasty, and he plays with a lot of spunk. He’ll block his man by any means necessary, and like Brandon Moore, has come up the hard way as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State.
Slater:
One of the true professionals in the game, he’s already made two Pro Bowls, so it’s more his journey that lands him on this team. It’s about hard work, faith and professionalism. He’s grown into one of the best in the business, with Bill Belichick drawing a comparison to perennial Pro Bowler Larry Izzo.
Lots of great discussion this morning with some knowledgeable Pats fans on Twitter about the fate of Danny Woodhead. The Pats have a plethora of young running backs, but Woodhead is definitely the most reliable and experienced. If they re-sign him how does it affect Shane Vereen, Brandon Bolden and Jeff Demps? Ridley’s got a firm spot but there are some interesting trickle down effects if Woodhead returns.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Shane Vereen traded or for him or Demps to end up a camp casualty.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/lots-of-great-discussion-this-morning-with-some/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keCj4LUf81w
America’s Game 2004 Patriots (by Conn B)
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/americas-game-2004-patriots-by-conn-b/
I don’t think the key is the running game. The Patriots have to figure out a way to be more explosive in the pass game to setup the run. Healthy Gronk and Hernandez certainly help – if they ever stay healthy. But I think the Patriots have to look hard at Welker and their offense. What you saw before Hernandez got hurt against the Cardinals – Lloyd, Hernandez, Gronkowski and Edelman – makes them much more explosive all over the field. They need upgrades to Lloyd, and if Edelman can’t stay healthy, someone quick and athletic after the catch in that spot. Do you give up the safety of having Welker to go for broke – not in the regular season, but in the post season – by changing the offense and personnel? I think those are the big decisions looming over this team and Belichick.
Super Bowl chat with Greg A. Bedard – Extra Points – Boston.com
Interesting stuff buried in this chat with GAB.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-dont-think-the-key-is-the-running-game-the/
Rob Gronkowski: I didn’t come back too soon
Rob Gronkowski: I didn’t come back too soon
“The doctors cleared me,” Gronkowski said. “As a player, you want to be out there for every game. Definitely don’t believe I came back too early. It’s just a freak accident. It’s very frustrating when that happens, too. It’s just a thing I can’t really do anything about.” Gronkowski mentioned how frustrating the injury was. “It’s just frustrating, the way I landed on it and how it broke,” Gronkowski said. “It’s just a freak thing how the first one broke, how the second one broke. The only thing it does is frustrate you, but now it’s just a time where I’ve got to rehab it, take my time now, get 100 percent so it’s ready to go for next season.”
It’s just been a grind, because I’m not the kind of guy who sits back and takes time off,” Fletcher said. “I’ve put in all the positive energy I could. I think the proof will be in the pudding when next year arises and people and all the fans will see how much time I’ve spent in the offseason preparing for this year. I’m putting everything I have in to it, which I feel I owe to myself, my family and Patriots fans.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/its-just-been-a-grind-because-im-not-the-kind/
