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- Bill Belichick quiets the crowd
BB wants you to STFU.
The Patriots are ranked fourth in points allowed per game (18.8) and second in rushing yards allowed per game (88.2), but they don’t seem to be getting the same recognition as the three better-ranked scoring defenses: Cincinnati (16.9 points per game), Minnesota (17.1) and Denver (18.7).
And consider this: The Pats have surrendered the second most garbage-time points in the league with 35 points allowed with at least a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. (The Raiders have allowed 38 largely because they coughed up 23 to the Chargers in Week 7.) The Bengals (27 garbage-time points) are close, but the Vikings (14) and Broncos (0) aren’t. Take away those garbage-time points, and here’s how those four teams would be ranked in scoring defense: Bengals (13.9), Patriots (14.9), Vikings (15.6) and Broncos (18.7).
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-are-ranked-fourth-in-points-allowed/
Rodney Harrison: Patriots would benefit from loss | Boston Herald
Speaking of Heirs Apparent, lots has been made of Brady’s replacement. I’m almost more concerned about Belichick;s. I really hope it’s Matt Patricia. Do you think it is? Do you think it’s *shudder* McDaniels? Or do you think he’ll stick around long enough that the heir isn’t something worth worrying about for the next 5 years?
This is something I’m asked about a lot. First I don’t think there is a succession plan in place. Seems like BB is always grooming guys but I don’t think any specific one is “the one”. Second, I do think BB will keep coaching the Patriots post-Brady, at least for a couple seasons unless Brady really does play ten years, then that might be out of the question. But BB always mentions how impressed he was that the 49ers had their run span two quarterbacks and I’d bet the competitor in him would like to do the same with the Patriots. The good news is that he’ll have a defense in its prime and Gronk in the mix to ease the transition. Nothing better than a huge veteran tight end to help a young QB.
Considering the dearth of OL talent in the NFL, how did the Patriots get Cameron Fleming onto the practice squad? A 2nd year tackle with snaps his rookie year…. seems like he’s better than some teams third tackle. Our tackle depth has been severely tested this season due to injuries…. but it could have been worse.
It was certainly risky, but they waited to cut him until Monday when the major round of cuts all happen over the weekend. The Patriots are masters of timing cuts just right and this one is a good example. Still he was their fourth tackle last year and at the time seemed like solely a right tackle (which he probably still is even though he’s held up well at left tackle). So I’m not shocked he didn’t get picked up, but I’m sure they held their breath a bit while he was available. It was just a time when most teams have made their big moves and are looking to see what they have in-house, while the Patriots are always tweaking things here and there, staying flexible to pounce on any player they have interest in who becomes available.
Hypothetical scenario: Both Matt Patricia and Josh McDaniels are offered head coaching jobs in the offseason, but you can invoke magical hoodie powers to keep one around. Who do you keep?
I think the Pats have been grooming Brian Daboll to replace McDaniels when he does leave, so I guess I’d prefer to keep Patricia, who doesn’t really have an heir apparent.