PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

5 Patriots on the Bubble

by

With another stacked roster, the Patriots will once again have some hard decisions to make this summer. Some will be easier than others, but this is one professional sports team where everyone really is on a level playing ground when things kick off.

That can lead to surprises and more often than not, that means undrafted rookies making the team while draft picks and formerly promising players are sent packing. It used to be that no one the Patriots let go went on to do much of anything, but those days have changed.

Now spare cornerbacks are finding lucrative NFL contracts, while the one-and-done approach to rejuvenating one’s career with the Pats is still as smart a move as anyone like Chris Long or Cordarrelle Patterson can make. Get a ring then get paid.

Who are the 5 guys who are most on the bubble as we enter camp? Let’s take a look.

[Read more…] about 5 Patriots on the Bubble

Tom Brady’s Most Clutch Third-Down Receivers

by

Yesterday, Phil Perry’s excellent series of Great Patriots Debates continued by pitting Deion Branch against Danny Amendola. After putting some thought into it, I had to stick with Branch by a hair. It was still like choosing between my kids.

Essentially, Branch was THE guy in 2003 and 2004 and he delivered in the biggest spots just like Amendola did in a more reserve role. Yes, Amendola probably had more “holy shit” moments and he was everything getting to Super Bowl 52.

But we can’t forget Branch was every bit as clutch without any big names, except 2004’s Corey Dillon, around him. Amendola had Julian Edelman and/or Rob Gronkowski for most of his five seasons.

The debate got me wondering, who are Tom Brady‘s most clutch receivers? Is there a stat to find out? Let’s jump in.

[Read more…] about Tom Brady’s Most Clutch Third-Down Receivers

Pats Posits: 10 Days To Go

by

We are just 10 days away from the start of training camp. This never gets old, especially when you’re coming off a sixth Super Bowl. I jumped in with a bunch of content last week about the things I’m most excited to look for when things get going.

The PUP list, left tackle, tight end and new receivers headline things.

If you have never had a chance to make it to a training camp practice I can’t recommend it enough. Entry is free, you’re up close to the players and surrounded by fellow crazed fans. There’s games, arts and crafts and some pockets of shade if you know where to find them.

And if you happen to be there on August 3rd for Tom Brady’s birthday there will be free cake.

Teeing everything else up in some Monday Posits!

[Read more…] about Pats Posits: 10 Days To Go

Predicting the Patriots PUP List

by

Over the next week, the Patriots will announce their Physically Unable to Perform list, a group of guys still recovering from injury/surgery who need more time to get healthy.

Anyone who opens camp on the PUP list is eligible to stay on the list when the regular season starts, costing them the first six weeks of their season. This can be a good way to create an extra roster spot, but missing more than the first two months of the season can be detrimental.

Now, with two players able to be placed on IR but brought back the same season, there’s a bit more flexibility when dealing with injuries.

The PUP list can also include players who don’t pass the conditioning test, which former PatsProp contributor Adam Magnacca tortured himself doing a few years ago.

Based on OTA and minicamp attendance, who might start training camp on the sidelines, not including any fat bodies who can’t make the run, which rarely happens now outside of free agent defensive tackles.

[Read more…] about Predicting the Patriots PUP List

A Closer Look at Patriots’ Wide Receiver Depth

by

There are a lot of questions surrounding the Patriots’ wide receiver corps in 2019 but they’ve done a good job layering in a lot of interesting depth. At the top of the line we have Julian Edelman and rookie N’Keal Harry, the only two true roster locks in my opinion.

Then there are the unknowns in Demaryius Thomas, coming off a torn Achilles, and Josh Gordon, who is facing an uncertain suspension. Those two players at their best would give the team two proven outside targets. But again, it’s hard to count on either at this point and know exactly what the team might get out of them.

Let’s take a look down the depth chart to see who might emerge, since there are certainly a couple roles to be won, especially out of the gate with Thomas and Gordon possibly limited and unavailable.

[Read more…] about A Closer Look at Patriots’ Wide Receiver Depth

Will Damien Harris Lead the Patriots in Rushing?

by

The rise to health and success of Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead was an underrated aspect of the 2018 Patriots offense. Both players had lengthy injury histories but when it mattered most, both players delivered.

It was the first playoff run of the entire Patriots dynasty where the team topped 150 yards on the ground in every game. Previously, they had only topped 150 four times ever in the playoffs.

Schedule & Game Results Table
ScorScor OffeOffe
Week OT Rec Opp Tm Opp PassY RushY
12W8-3@New York Jets2713283215
13W9-3Minnesota Vikings2410311160
14L9-4@Miami Dolphins333434477
15L9-5@Pittsburgh Steelers101727296
16W10-5Buffalo Bills2412117273
17W11-5New York Jets383244131
DivisionW12-5Los Angeles Chargers4128343155
Conf. Champ.WOT13-5@Kansas City Chiefs3731348176
SuperBowlW14-5NLos Angeles Rams133253154
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/10/2019.

Many analysts seem to undervalue the ground game these days and I understand that passing drives offenses these days. But with Tom Brady closing in on 42 it makes more sense than ever for the Patriots to ensure their running game can take some heat off him.

[Read more…] about Will Damien Harris Lead the Patriots in Rushing?

Five Patriots to Watch in Training Camp

by

16 days away and the excitement for training camp is building! At this point, it’s best to take final inventory of the most critical areas of focus because once you get to the fields with 90 guys running around it can be overwhelming.

We know that the core of this Patriots team has been to four of the last six Super Bowls and if they stay healthy there’s no reason to think they won’t be right back in their ninth-straight AFC Championship.

Life without Gronk will take some getting used to and replacing two of the top three offensive tackles won’t help. But by December they should have it all figured out even if there’s some bumps in the road.

Who are the players that could bring something new and exciting to the team this year? Here’s where my eyes when camp starts.

[Read more…] about Five Patriots to Watch in Training Camp