PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

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Several reports have the Pats signing Jake Ballard. Ballard tore his ACL in the Super Bowl and couldn’t pass a physical this spring. Such a Patriots thing to do by swooping in and signing him. He’ll want to keep his head up in practice with Spikes around.

I was at this game and even from the nosebleeds it was a “woah” moment, especially because it was on third down. And yes this is the only positive piece of PatsPropaganda I can mine from anything Giants-related.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/several-reports-have-the-pats-signing-jake/

It Is What It Is » Notes from the Patriots Tuesday minicamp practice

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It Is What It Is » Notes from the Patriots Tuesday minicamp practice

Here’s notes of interest from Chris Price:

The only three players who were not spotted on the field for the duration of the session were tight end Daniel Fells, offensive lineman Brian Waters and defensive lineman Myron Pryor. Several players appeared limited, as tight end Rob Gronkowski, offensive linemen Sebastian Vollmer and Logan Mankins and linebackers Brandon Spikes and Tracy White were among those who spent plenty of time working out off to the side.


In 11 on 11’s on the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots rolled out a starting defensive front of Trevor Scott, Fanene, Vince Wilfork and Rob Ninkovich.


As far as the defensive front I think this is a pretty good preview of what we’re likely to expect in the new base nickel. Gone are the days of having a left defensive end who is solely a run stopper. Ninkovich is tough, but he can get after the passer a bit as well. Fanene is a good combo guy as well, and with Wilfork you have the ability to put a severe roadblock in the oppositions favorite running lanes. Trevor Scott continues to be one to the players I think will be an excellent addition in a role similar to what Andre Carter played last year. Long term they’ll want to see what Chandler Jones can do at RDE.

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(via Snapshots: Photos from minicamp practice – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/via-snapshots-photos-from-minicamp-practice/

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I think obviously the bar just continues to get raised on where guys are going and that’s good,” Witten told me. “That’s a good sign with where the league is. Obviously, the guy’s very deserving. Really what (Gronkowski) did last year, we really hadn’t seen across the league in a long time, probably ever. I think being in the position and watching it, you have even more respect. It’s not just that. He does it in all phases of the position. That’s really what being a complete tight end is all about. He’s very deserving, a terrific player. Really a big reason why they were in the Super Bowl last year.

Cowboys TE Jason Witten says Rob Gronkowski is “very deserving” of his new deal – NFL.com

https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-think-obviously-the-bar-just-continues-to-get/

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“Jermaine’s had a great offseason,” Belichick said Tuesday morning at Gillette Stadium, as the team’s mandatory minicamp kicked off. “He’s really worked hard. He looks good.” A great offseason, according to Belichick, is one that includes “physical improvement”, “overall mental grasp of what we’re doing”, and good “reactions and technique” in non-contact work on the field.

‘Great offseason’ for Cunningham – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Cunningham is certainly an interesting player, and one who does not easily fit into a schematic box. Personally I think he’s an interesting fit at left defensive end in a nickel package as he’s pretty tough but also has some athleticism to get some pressure in passing situations. I’d look for him and Ninkovich to compete there. I also wonder how he’d do at strong side linebacker in the 4-3, where we saw Ninkovich last year. I was interested why he didn’t seem to get much of a shot there last year, but of course injuries played a role.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/jermaines-had-a-great-offseason-belichick-said/

Tuesday Belichick Press Conference Tweets of Note

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It should be a good day for some Patriots news and the last one until Training Camp opens next month. Here’s some interesting tidbits from Belichick’s press conference this morning.

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Spikes looks like he should be a really good player, and if Hightower also performs up to his potential, it’d be in the Patriots’ best interest to keep Jerod Mayo, Spikes and Hightower on the field as much as possible. Hightower might be versatile enough to play on the strong side in the 4-3, on the edge in the 3-4 and alongside Mayo or in a three-point stance in nickel packages. If that comes to fruition, Hightower and Spikes should be able to play alongside one another for more than just the next two years.

BostonHerald.com – Blogs: The Blitz» Blog Archive » Three-and-Out: Brandon Spikes, Patriots’ running game, plenty more in focus

https://www.patspropaganda.com/spikes-looks-like-he-should-be-a-really-good/