PatsPropaganda

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Given that the Patriots could use both additional pass-rushing and D-line depth, is there a way for them to double dip by drafting a ‘one-gapping’ D-lineman who can get into the backfield? Would it be ‘cheaper’ in the draft than a DE and would a player like that be able to make an impact in his first year?

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You’re speaking my language, brother. Defensive Ends and Linebackers are the only positions anyone talks about when it comes to pass rush, but really the best and most effective pass rushers are those coming from the inside. 

As I’ve said over and over again in recent years, the Pats were deficient in this area because they tended to have more nose tackle-types inside. It worked well in protecting against sub-runs and Wilfork was clearly a beast inside that caused problems, but they just didn’t have that upfield presence and I think they really paid for it on third-and-longs. They were the third-worst defense in the NFL from 2010-2013 on 3rd-and-8-plus yards.

So yes, I think guys like Chris Jones (as part of a rotation, not playing 90% of the snaps), Armond Armstead and even Chandler sliding inside should help the interior rush. But a guy like Easley, who embodies all that I want, would really be a great addition.

There’s still a place for big space eaters, but they just need to have more depth with different kinds of d-linemen.

They say the best way to beat Brady is to constantly pressure him and knock him on the ground, isn’t that how you are supposed to stop most quarterbacks, what makes it so special against Brady and manning compared to other quarterbacks

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Nothing, it’s silly talk. Specifically to Brady and Manning though I go back to some great insight that Eric Mangini gave on NFL Live a few years ago.

His main points: you must disguise pre-snap, “if you’re not lying, you’re not trying”. Having a different game plan to start the second half to give Brady/Belichick something to think about and then going back to the stuff that was working in the first half. Finally, long sustained drives on offense.

Watch the 2010 Pats-Browns game to see this game plan executed perfectly. Also helped that the Pats didn’t show up to play that day.

Patriots Notebook: Good signs on Rob Gronkowski | Boston Herald

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Patriots Notebook: Good signs on Rob Gronkowski | Boston Herald

Good notes throughout here. Really starting to wonder when we see Gronk back out there. Is it crazy to think he’s good to go Week 1? Welker was and had less recovery time by about a month. Still think he’ll be a bit limited but given the current depth, they really do need the Gronk. And will he still be wearing that silly arm brace? I really hope not.

Quick Hit Thoughts on the Patriots 2014 schedule

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For all the snarky comments that were made in the leadup to the schedule release, I do enjoy seeing what this year’s campaign looks like. Here are my random thoughts..

  • Great bye week in Week 10. Believe that’s as late as it can possibly be and that’s always how you want it.
  • After the opener in Miami, the Pats are out of division for the next four games until they travel to the Bills. That’s a good stretch out of the division to work the early-season kinks out.
  • And the back-to-back Week 2 and 3 games against the Vikings and Raiders should help the Pats avoid their usual stinker loss in the early part of the season. Assuming they take care of business in Miami.
  • Good stretch around the bye of tough games – Bears/Broncos/BYE/Colts/Lions/Packers/Chargers is no cake walk.
  • Pats get their short week between @ Bills then Thursday night hosting the Jets. Good to face a team they know on the short week to help with preparation.
  • They then have a 10 break before hosting the Bears and Broncos, then they get their bye. I like how that sets up.
  • But coming out of the bye it’s a tough stretch – @Colts, vs Lions, @ Packers, @ Chargers, then closing the season out with three-straight divisional games.
  • Kind of odd playing at the Jets in Week 16. Been a while since we’ve gone down there so late.
  • Overall, the schedule feels easier in the start and then gets progressively tougher. The mid-October to mid-December stretch is tough, but with the three-straight division games to close the season out, the Pats should hold their own fate in their hands as far as the division goes.
  • Five total national games and the Broncos game is not one. That’s surprising. 
  • This is definitely a challenging schedule and if the Pats and it almost assures the Pats won’t have the division sewn up early like they often have in recent years.

Frenz and I will discuss all this and more draft stuff tomorrow morning at 11am EST on an all new podcast.