PatsPropaganda

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Patriots having trouble defending the middle of the field

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Patriots having trouble defending the middle of the field

In what has become an alarming trend, especially noticeable last week against the Bills, the Patriots are struggling more and more defending the middle of the field.

As evidenced by these rankings from Football Outsiders, the Patriots are ranked 11th and 3rd respectively covering #1 and #2 wide receivers. Those are obviously the guys who are usually lined up on the outside of the formation.

As for the other receivers they rank:

  • vs. TE – 26th
  • vs. 3rd/4th WR – 32nd
  • vs. RB – 26th

The struggles of the linebackers in coverage are clear, and that should include the slot corners and box safeties somewhat as well.

But the linebackers are an easy place to focus on. Everyone was high on the all-SEC trio, and they are certainly skilled in a lot of areas, but coverage is certainly not their strength.

The only hope is that Jerod Mayo, the only one with enough speed to excel in coverage, suddenly elevates his game in this area, but given his history I’m not holding my breath.

Perhaps Dane Fletcher might’ve been of assistance in this area. The Pats should definitely look to bring him back next year. But I’d still put a sub-package coverage linebacker/special teamer as a personnel need to be addressed.

My current list of needs for Draft/Free Agency:

  1. Defensive Tackle (penetrator)
  2. Interior Offensive Lineman (center/guard)
  3. Safety (back end type)
  4. Wide Receiver
  5. Coverage Linebacker

Aaron Hernandez expected to miss game vs. Colts

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Looks like we’ll be without Hernandez once again…

Remember all the talk about how Hernandez needed to prove he could stay healthy before getting a contract extension? Well he got the extension and he certainly hasn’t proven he can stay healthy.

It’s hard to believe he’s only played four games this year with 17 catches for 143-yards and two touchdowns. He’s quickly gone from having expectations of an unstoppable season to just hoping he’s healthy for the stretch run.

Hard to say if he’ll play against the Jets on Thanksgiving, but perhaps it’s best to shut him down then too, get him the break on the mini-bye and bring him back against the Dolphins.

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Pats are undefeated since I started wearing the new red Do Your Job Belichick tee. Help keep it going and get one for yourself!

https://www.patspropaganda.com/belichick-tshirt/

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https://www.patspropaganda.com/15083/

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Former Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib is expected to make his Patriots debut Sunday when New England hosts the Colts. The trade for Talib was a virtual no-lose proposition for the Patriots. New England traded its 2013 fourth-round pick for Talib and Tampa Bay’s seventh-round pick. But Talib’s contract is up after this season. Should Talib move on to another team, the Patriots would get back a compensatory draft pick. So for trading for Talib for the second half of this season, the Patriots could get back more picks than they gave up. Not to mention that in an AFC lacking a dominant team, Talib could be the difference in a division, conference or even Super Bowl title.

Andrew Luck on his way to Tom Brady-like future – Adam Schefter’s 10 Spot – ESPN

https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-aqib-talib-2/

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Some view Spikes in a Rodney Harrison-type way in the sense that teammates love to have him on their side, while opponents are sometimes enraged by him. “I’m a passionate player, I love what I do,” Spikes said, when presented that comparison. “I get a kick out of it. I go to bed thinking about ball, I wake up thinking about ball, so you can see it when I’m playing. My teammates love when I go out and play for them every snap.”

Spikes: No hard feelings with Fitzpatrick – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-brandon-spikes-2/