Wes Welker Has Spent Football Life Proving Doubters Wrong, From College Coaches to NFL Executives – New England Patriots – NESN.com
Great stuff from Jeff Howe on this epic Welker article. Must read!
“The biggest foreshadowing of [Welker’s success] would be the first meeting when we had the freshmen in there,” Leach said. “We’ve got these guys who are all-state, all-conference, they look like Greek gods. Some of them have really good track times. Then you have Wes Welker sitting there who is shorter than all of them. Some of those other guys are looking down, there’s a certain amount of doubt in their eye. They’re not sure. They’re a little overwhelmed by college. This guy has his head high, this glare and look in his eye, total confidence. And just reading his face, you could tell there was no doubt in his mind that he was better than all of these guys. He was literally fearless and confident.”
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/