PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Hopefully a lesson learned for Patriots defense – Patriots – Boston.com

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Hopefully a lesson learned for Patriots defense – Patriots – Boston.com

In the past few weeks, the Patriots’ defense has blown some coverages, not filled against the run properly, and exhibited some shoddy tackling. It was certainly good enough to win and the type of performance of which 85 percent of the league would be envious. And considering the average age of the defense is just 25.6 years and includes three rookies, it was play that was admirable and showed improvement. But while the Patriots were playing good enough to roll to regular-season victories, and even against an AFC contender like the Texans, that type of play would not be good enough against the elite competition that will stand in the way of another Lombardi Trophy: the Broncos in the AFC, and the 49ers, Packers, Falcons, and Giants in the NFC.

Snaps: Jones & Gregory take seat – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

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Snaps: Jones & Gregory take seat – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Two interesting defensive personnel nuggets of note:

Rookie end Chandler Jones was kept on the sideline for six drives after the 49ers’ 9-yard touchdown run by Frank Gore early in the third quarter. Jones appeared to get caught watching the play and was easily single-blocked before being pushed to the ground by a doubling offensive lineman late. Rookie Justin Francis took Jones’ place. Jones was on the field for just three snaps the rest of the game after Gore’s TD, all in the “heavy” package at the end of the fourth quarter. Looked like a “rookie moment” on a broken play for Jones and one the coaching staff addressed quickly. … The other notable personnel change came at safety, where Steve Gregory was replaced by Patrick Chung in the base defense after Michael Crabtree’s 27-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. Gregory was spotted with a bandage on his head, although his absence was not injury-related, according to the team. The status of Jones and Gregory will be areas to watch in the weeks to come.

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Gillette Stadium crowd – Subject of criticism in the past, the fans could have left with the Patriots down 31-3 five minutes into the third quarter. But in a heavy rain from start to finish, the crowd stays and provides energy that contributes to a comeback. For that, the crowd gets a mention here.

Ups and downs for the Patriots – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Nice job Pats fans!

https://www.patspropaganda.com/gillette-stadium-crowd-subject-of-criticism-in/

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I feel you, BB.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-feel-you-bb/

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Wes Welker became the first player in NFL history to have 100 pass receptions in five seasons when he caught a 12-yard pass from Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s game against the 49ers, breaking a tie with Rice, Harrison, and Marshall – who joined the club last Sunday.

Wes Welker becomes first player in NFL history with five seasons of 100 or more receptions – Extra Points – Boston.com

https://www.patspropaganda.com/wes-welker-became-the-first-player-in-nfl-history/

Patriots lose to 49ers, drop to 3rd AFC seed and lose bye

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Tonight’s game was the story of two halves. The Patriots offense came out as flat as they’ve been all season, which really shouldn’t have been all that surprising coming off an emotional win on MNF over the Texans.

They were lucky to only be down 17-3 at the half but overall this was a highly uncharacteristic half of football for the Pats and not one by which your overall opinion of the team should be really affected.

The fact that they came out in the second half and continued to stink was disheartening but at 31-3, when it looked like it was about to be the worst blowout loss for the Pats since 2009’s at the hands of the Saints the Patriots suddenly ignited.

After the pick six in the third that made it 31-3 the Patriots offense went on a tear and put up four straight touchdown drives with the defense forcing three straight three-and-outs.

For that brief moment in the game the Patriots showed some of their best football of the season. But sadly the epic comeback was all for naught as the 49ers returned the following kickoff all the way into Pats territory, then scored on the next play on a 38-yard touchdown that saw Kyle Arrington whiff on a tackle.

If this game didn’t have playoff implications I could likely spin it positively. The Pats showed incredible fight and heart, and never gave up even after playing some of their worst football of the year. 

There is no question, for a team to end New England’s season in the playoffs it will take them 60 minutes of solid football.

But alas, the Patriots are now in the third AFC seed and no longer one of the two teams that get a bye. The two teams ahead of them, Houston and Denver, have just as easy schedules as the Patriots do, so it seems unlikely either of them will drop a game.

That doesn’t totally rule it out, but it’s very likely the Pats went from having to win two games to get to the Super Bowl to having to win three games, and as many as two of them on the road in Houston and Denver.

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Wish we could’ve frozen things right here, but two plays later the 49ers took the lead back for good. Hats off to them for finishing. They didn’t make many plays in the second half but they made enough.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/wish-we-couldve-frozen-things-right-here-but-two/