In 15 of 16 games, Patriots have opened on defense. They won 7 coin tosses & deferred each time. Opponents won 9 tosses & took ball 8 times.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/in-15-of-16-games-patriots-have-opened-on/
Veteran Nate Jones opened Sunday’s game playing in the nickel, before being replaced by Julian Edelman. When Edelman came on to the field, the results improved. With Jones not showing up on any special teams units Sunday, Jones’ value on the roster could warrant further evaluation from the coaching staff. Edelman’s performance in the finale was impressive.
New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Reasonable to say our DB set up for the playoff game is possibly:
Moldin and Arrington on the outside. Chung and McCourty at Safety, then Edelman and Moore as the next DBs up?
https://www.patspropaganda.com/veteran-nate-jones-opened-sundays-game-playing-in/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjUIwkEwISk
2011 Rob Gronkowski Highlights (by Seldenjo)
What an epic year by the Gronk.
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
Julian Edelman’s performance on defense might have been undersold in the immediate aftermath of the game. His work replacing Nate Jones in the nickel was notable, as he came on for the fourth series of the game and played 41 straight snaps. When he came on the field, the Bills were already leading 21-0. When he left, it was 41-21 Patriots. Meanwhile, the 41 snaps were easily a season high for Edelman, whose previous high mark on defense was 19 (vs. Redskins).
https://www.patspropaganda.com/julian-edelmans-performance-on-defense-might-have/
I think Julian Edelman’s future with the Patriots is at defensive back. That was reinforced with the way he played yesterday in the win over the Bills. Trailing 21-0, he was put on the field to cover the slot receiver. The defense gave up no more points, won 49-21, and Edelman finished with five tackles. Meanwhile, Nate Jones struggled in coverage, as did LB Dane Fletcher. Edelman did have over-the-top help from Devin McCourty, but he was physical, tough, and covered tightly.
What do you guys think? Edelman’s elite short area quickness are ideal for a slot corner, but he’ll really need to improve in the tackling department if he wants to stay there permanently.
Regardless, a player who can be your top punt returner, do some kick off returns as well, and fill in at either wide receiver or cornerback is just the kind of guy the Patriots like to get.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-think-julian-edelmans-future-with-the-patriots/
Linebacker Gary Guyton didn’t play a snap on defense, marking the third time in four weeks that he hasn’t taken the field outside of a limited role on special teams. Guyton has been a valuable fill-in for Jerod Mayo in the past, but he’s been passed on the depth chart in recent weeks by Dane Fletcher and Tracy White. If White returns to full health (abdomen), and Rob Ninkovich’s hip doesn’t limit him, Guyton might have trouble cracking the 46-man game-day roster in the playoffs.
New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
This just points back to the joke I made on Twitter earlier this week:
What has two thumbs and hasn’t seen the field in weeks? This Guyton.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/linebacker-gary-guyton-didnt-play-a-snap-on/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaQtcXGNOrk
Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski: All 17 touchdowns in 2011 (by PatriotFan1251)
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/tom-brady-to-rob-gronkowski-all-17-touchdowns-in/