The Patriots have been in seven of the past 12 AFC title games, and there is no reason to think they won’t be there again. The AFC East is once again set up for the Patriots to go 6-0 in divisional play, as they did in 2012. Though their overall 2013 schedule isn’t as easy as 2012, it’s far from daunting. They play a .508 schedule, which is the 13th toughest, but overall, they play only six teams that had a .500 record or better in 2012. Regardless of the schedule, no one will know how good the Patriots are until the playoffs. For years, the Patriots have meandered successfully through easy schedules and an easy division to be a top seed. Only the playoffs will tell if the Patriots are Super Bowl-worthy or have holes.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-have-been-in-seven-of-the-past-12-afc/
Why the New England Patriots Should Let Wes Welker Walk
Why the New England Patriots Should Let Wes Welker Walk
New column is up at B/R. Sorry guys, I think it’s time to let Wes go…
The bigger question is whether or not the Patriots offense with Welker is still ascending? They have been dominant the last three seasons, but is keeping Welker in the fold a way to stay ahead of the curve, or just kicking the can down the road and hoping he remains healthy and dominant?
Source: Pats concerned how Talib would respond to multiyear pact
Source: Pats concerned how Talib would respond to multiyear pact
This certainly isn’t going to go over well with the “Talib is a shutdown corner who single-handedly saved our defense” sector of Pats fans, though perhaps they’re in need a of a little reality check.
A source with knowledge of the situation told Comcast SportsNet’s Mike Giardi that, while Aqib Talib displayed no behavioral problems during his time with the Patriots, the team has enough concerns over his work ethic to be somewhat reluctant to offer the star cornerback a multiyear contract. According to the source, Talib passed on the chance to do extra work at times this year and there are questions as to how he’d handle a long-term deal. The Pats, said the source, would prefer to sign Talib to a one-year, make-good contract.
Now, at a time when the Patriots face the need to get better this offseason, they must confront what they must do in order to close the gap on the two teams that were in New Orleans. New England must determine whether or not it can compete with teams like San Francisco and Baltimore without a dynamic, home run-hitting offense predicated not just on Tom Brady’s ability to sync up with his receivers on short and intermediate passing routes, but also on the ability to go deep.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/now-at-a-time-when-the-patriots-face-the-need-to/