PatsPropaganda

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ReFo: Patriots @ Dolphins, Week 15 | ProFootballFocus.com

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ReFo: Patriots @ Dolphins, Week 15 | ProFootballFocus.com

The four sacks that the Patriots’ defense collected on the day give the appearance that their pass rush was dominant when in fact the pressures were lacking all day long. The defense managed just 14 total pressures on the day and managed to pressure Tannehill on just 11 of 41 dropbacks. Even then, of those 14 pressures, four came on blitzes from corners and linebackers. The defensive line was generally ineffective and had a cumulative pass rushing grade of -5.0. The main culprit for the Patriots was Rob Ninkovich (-1.8) whose only pressure came via running back Daniel Thomas. It will be interesting to see if the high snap counts for Ninkovich and Chandler Jones(-0.4) catch up with them down the stretch. Jones leads all 4-3 defensive ends in snaps with 1002 while Ninkovich is second at 971.

I think one of the biggest problems of this season, and one that hasn’t been that affected by injuries, is the lack of depth at defensive end. When you break down the pass rush problems, I think that’s a big factor, even if Ninkovich and Chandler are pretty much set for the next few seasons as the starting defensive ends.

Michael Buchanan got the early nod but was a scratch on Sunday. Jake Bequette has been MIA all season and it seems likely he’s nothing more than camp fodder next season. 

This forced them to bring back Andre Carter who unfortunately is not the same guy he was in 2011. The Pats should look long and hard for a designated pass rusher in the mold of 2011 Mark Anderson this offseason.

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https://www.patspropaganda.com/8367/

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Against the three-receiver package with Charles Clay at tight end, the Patriots played a 4-2-5 nickel with Jamie Collins alongside Dont’a Hightower at linebacker, which added more speed at the linebacker level. The Patriots also used a 4-1-6 dime against that grouping, usually on third down. Against the Dolphins’ more traditional two-receiver package when Clay was in the game as a tight end, the Patriots stayed in a 4-2-5 nickel but had Brandon Spikes alongside Hightower at linebacker for a bit more power in the front six. The only time the Patriots went to their base defense was against the Dolphins’ two-receiver package that didn’t include Clay.

Picked-up pieces from 1st-quarter review: Patriots at Dolphins Week 15 – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/against-the-three-receiver-package-with-charles/

Gronk on another motorized device due to injury

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First there was the hand cart for his high ankle sprain, now he’s gone fully motorized for the ACL. Guessing he’s got to let the MCL heal before they go in and replace his ACL. Good times… ugh…

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They are what they are when you watch them. They are a team that will fight any team for all four quarters. They are well coached in situational football. They have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Every game, from here on out, will probably go down to the wire. It will all be based on their performance in the fourth quarter. Can they lose the next two games? Absolutely. Can they win them? They can do that too. But as you’ve seen the last few weeks, it’s coming down to a two-minute situation. That’s how it’s going to be – and either the Patriots make the plays to win, or the other team does.

Chat: Chat with Tedy Bruschi – SportsNation – ESPN Boston

Yup, tell ‘em Tedy.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/they-are-what-they-are-when-you-watch-them-they/

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I always like to say you’ve got to continue to kind of progress. I feel like the last three weeks we really haven’t had much progression. We need to get it going.

It Is What It Is » Rob Ninkovich on M&M: ‘We’ve got to come up with a big play’

There’s still some time. Let’s remember that peaking after Thanksgiving is a myth. It’s about peaking in the playoffs. Period.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-always-like-to-say-youve-got-to-continue-to/

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I might be out of the business of expecting them to dominate teams, or even play 60 minutes of good football, but I’m not questioning their effort. On the contrary, they don’t stop trying to push your facemask down your throat until the final gun and I admire the hell out of them for it. But as they’re currently constituted, they’re trying to win with a team of undersized white slot receivers, street free agent defensive tackles, tight ends no one ever heard of, guards playing offensive tackle and various out-of-work Samoans

» Knee Jerk Reactions to Week 15: Pats vs Dolphins Barstool Sports: Boston

As always, Jerry nails it here…

https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-might-be-out-of-the-business-of-expecting-them/