PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

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I think he can make a significant impact on the outside,” Lombardi said. “This week against the Colts, it’s a little different game because the Colts have a couple of those receivers who have quickness and vertical speed in [Donnie] Avery and T.Y. Hilton so they’re not really the matchup for Talib. But certainly I think he can help on outside. What it will allow the Patriots to do is, if you really break down Patriots tape, the middle of the defense — the ‘backers, the safeties — this is where they’re getting killed more than anything. … Get more speed on the field at linebacker, try to create some more situations where there is more depth in the zone drops, something that didn’t happen last week.

It Is What It Is » Mike Lombardi on D&C: Aqib Talib will have ‘significant impact’ on Sunday

Well that sounds vaguely familiar…

https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-blog-30/

Would you rather have a fully healthy Hernandez, but no Wild Card Week bye, in the playoffs, or a hampered Hernandez in the playoffs with a bye? This is concerning whether it’s a good idea for the Patriots to sit him extra time just to make sure he’s healthy enough for the playoffs, since the AFC East is almost a gimme, but without him we may not be able to push into a playoff bye.

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Give me the bye week and a hampered Hernandez. The Pats are so banged up they could really benefit from that extra week off over Wild Card weekend.

I think the Patriots road to a bye is going to require they beat the Texans and only lose one more game tops. The Broncos will be nipping at their heels, they must hold them off, and Denver’s schedule is pretty easy.

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/