https://www.patspropaganda.com/artofnfl-drew-bledsoe-new-england-patriots/
Of the active 53-man roster, 17 of those players were undrafted in the NFL. That number doesn’t include undrafted special-teamer turned linebacker Dane Fletcher, who is now on season-ending IR. That’s nearly a third of this season’s active roster filled with players passed up by every single team time after time … after time. No, the Patriots didn’t sign them all out of college, but they saw enough out of some early on in their careers to scoop them up before they established themselves in the NFL.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/of-the-active-53-man-roster-17-of-those-players/
The Patriots have always had two classes of tight ends. There is the traditional “Y,” whose job requirements read: 6 feet 5 inches or taller, at least 255 pounds, can run but absolutely must be a standout blocker. He has to be a viable receiver, but not a great one. The “F” or flex tight end is 6-3 or taller, around 235 pounds, must be able to run and be an excellent pass receiver. Does not need to be a good blocker. Everyone in the building agreed that Aaron Hernandez out of the University of Florida, where he did a little bit of everything, was the prototype “F.” There was disagreement on the Y. Some were scared off by Rob Gronkowski’s back surgery in college. There also wasn’t agreement on whether Gronkowski as a rookie could think quick enough to play with Brady. But at least one person did have Gronkowski ranked as the No. 1 Y: Belichick.
Rise after fall – Patriots – Boston.com
Back to back great reads from Bedard. Must read both of them!!
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-have-always-had-two-classes-of-tight/
Tight ends are changing how defenses are constructed – Sports – The Boston Globe
Tight ends are changing how defenses are constructed – Sports – The Boston Globe
Great read from Bedard, really interesting football evolution/personnel stuff that always gets me hot and bothered…
Belichick has long been interested with those types of versatile defenders, even back to his Browns days, where Savage was in the personnel department. The “star” is a fifth defensive back that ideally would be a little bit stronger than the cornerback most other teams prefer in the slot. The “money” is a sixth defensive back that is a safety/linebacker hybrid. In recent years, Josh Barrett and James Ihedigbo have been targeted for those spots. Now it’s Wilson and sixth-round pick Nate Ebner. In theory, those players are an even bigger asset now against tight end-driven offenses because they can stay on the field on multiple downs, especially against the (also rising) no-huddle attacks. “That’s going to become an important position,” said NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell. “That guy has to match up on people. That kind of guy can play a [Rob] Gronkowski, or at least has a chance. Belichick’s way of saying the defense has caught up to the spread offense, with all the speed and pressure packages that make it tough to protect, is to put two tight ends on the field. “We can line up in base offense and pound the ball against your smaller people if you choose to go with a sub package. Line up base, we’ll split out Hernandez and who are you going to put on him?” That’s why it’s important to find hybrid players that can play inside. It allows cornerbacks to stay outside.
2012 Season Opener Patriots – Titans Key Matchups :Pats Pub
2012 Season Opener Patriots – Titans Key Matchups :Pats Pub
Nice breakdown from Steve Balestrieri…
