PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

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Of 420 defensive snaps played over the last six games, the Patriots have been in sub packages (which call for at least one extra player in the secondary) a staggering 377 times. That means they were only in their base or goal-line defense on just 43 snaps over the last six games

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL, Patriots – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

As has been the case since 2010, Sub is the new “base” and why we now call the 34/43 “regular”. Regular is a run-stopping package. So when next summer when the 3-4 vs. 4-3 is a major topic of conversation, ignore the noise. It’s really just the defense that BB teaches from.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/of-420-defensive-snaps-played-over-the-last-six/

With mayo making almost 10 million next year do you see them letting him go to keep other important people since Collins and Hoghtower have played well

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This will be one of the big questions of the offseason and it will be an interesting one. 

Mayo is an excellent captain and leader, and his dedication to football and Belichick’s appreciation of what he brings to the field has been clear…

BUT…

Hightower looks like a capable replacement as play-caller as Mayo is coming off his second-straight injury-shortened season. Mayo has speed and intangibles, but has never been a pivotal playmaker.

Boiled down to the pure financials of it, Mayo’s cap hits are $10.6 million and $10.4 million the next two seasons. That’s a lot and given the history of the Patriots, it makes him a prime target for restructure. 

Mayo seems like the kind of guy who would understand that. He just saw it happen last year with Wilfork. 

Have you noticed anything specific with the safety spot next to Mccourty

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It’s been pretty defined. Chung is the starting strong safety and plays primarily in the box, but they will drop him in Cover-2 occasionally. He’s had a fairly solid year in coverage, but struggles against big tight ends. Still, he’s been much better in his second stint in New England.

On passing downs they’ll pull Chung for Harmon who has better range on the back end. Sometimes they’ll even play all three of them.

McCourty has done just about everything this year. Usually, he’s the free safety playing Cover-1, but he will come up and man cover tight ends sometimes. He’ll even occasionally blitz.

Tavon Wilson is behind Chung at the strong safety spot, but has picked up some spot duty throughout the season. Not as much as his rookie year in 2012, but definitely more that 2013.

Lots of comments about the run, the interior O-Line, Cannon signing, Solder walking. One part of the puzzle is that next years draft is VERY deep at tackle and VERY shallow at guard. If they want to upgrade Guard they’ probably have to do it through Free agency. If they want to upgrade tackle they can do it through the draft. So paying Solder big $ doesn’t make sense. They need to save that money for a guard and draft at Tackle. Solder will walk. Comments?

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Appreciate the insight into this year’s draft class, I don’t touch that stuff until the Pats season is over, so it’s interesting to hear it’s deep on tackles. I’m still fine re-signing Solder, but they have some protection now.

I think they take one or two guards this year regardless of how free agency plays out. Even if it’s a guy like Halapio who gets cut, at least they’re trying to round out their depth.

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https://www.patspropaganda.com/4004/

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Like in 2005, when a vicious hit to his left shin in Week 14 against the Bills left Brady unable to walk. He played the next week, against the Buccaneers, and suffered a sports hernia that left his testicles at least three times their normal size. He played four more games, including the playoffs, with a bad shin and awful swelling down below. His backup at the time, Matt Cassel, tells this story, setting up the easiest of punch lines. “So, yeah,” he says, “Tom Brady has big balls.”

Given the way he prepares, Tom Brady won’t be slowing down anytime soon | SI.com

https://www.patspropaganda.com/like-in-2005-when-a-vicious-hit-to-his-left-shin/

What do you think is the main reason Easley didn’t dominate like you predicted.

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Unfortunately I just don’t think he’s gotten his explosion back and I think that’s why they backed off on playing him so much. The separated shoulder probably didn’t help either.

There were definitely some standout moments for Easley, but anytime you draft a guy coming off a major injury there’s some element of risk. Everyone who tears an ACL says you’re not back to yourself until you’re have a full season under your belt.

I still love Easley and think there’s a role for him to play going forward. If we have to wait until next year so be it. But the solid play of Chris Jones/Siliga and Branch to some extent has lessened how much the Pats need Easley this year.

I wouldn’t IR him, just give him a couple weeks off and see where we’re at. You never know if you might need a pass rush or when he might suddenly start feeling a lot better.