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There’s a reason he’s been a free agent for the last couple weeks, doubt he has much of anything left in the tank and certainly isn’t the player he once was with the Raiders. If they were going to make a move they would’ve done it Tuesday.
If Talib is good to go I don’t really see the need to bring in reinforcements. Dennard should be back soon as well.
Bill Belichick sends New England Patriots message in film class – ESPN Boston
BB stoking the fire a bit. As I wrote yesterday, I expect we’ll see a pissed off Pats team that is 100 percent focused this weekend. Still might not be enough against the Broncos, but I’d bet the Pats leave it all on the field.
Good stuff from Doug Kyed breaking down the Pats 3-4 evolution post-Wilfork. We’ll probably see mostly sub-package this weekend and that will raise some questions.
Likely will be Hightower with Fletcher/Harmon/Collins/Ryan as the Money spot. I’d bet this is where BB gets creative. Maybe something like this:
50-72-94-95
54-91
31-30-25
28-32
Though I think Arrington might be the best bet on Welker since he has a lot of experience against him in practice. The trick-down of that then has Talib on Demaryius and then either Harmon or Ryan on Decker.
What about Julius Thomas? Who’s best on him? Collins? Hightower? Even Harmon or Gregory? Will be interesting to see how BB matches up, and I’m sure he’ll have some kind of twist we’re not expecting.
Top 10 Games of Wes Welker’s Patriots Career
Flashback from this offseason to this article I put together for Welker’s Top 10 games with the Pats. Every catch and especially touchdown, I’ve seen him get this year with the Broncos felt like a stomach punch. Can’t even imagine what it will feel like when they’re coming at the Pats’ expense this weekend (assuming, as Brady does, that he will play).
Almost every significant play the Panthers had on offense was the result of Newton and the Panthers taking advantage of the Patriots’ aggressiveness. The 42-yard pass to Steve Smith in the first quarter? The Patriots rushed six defenders. The 9-yard touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell? Also on a blitz, with the throw landing in the spot that a blitzing Dane Fletcher vacated. Newton’s 24-yard run on third and 6 in the second quarter? Another six-man pass rush, with Newton running right past a blitzing Dont’a Hightower. The crucial defensive holding call on Devin McCourty on third and 7 on the Panthers’ final drive? You guessed it — another blitz.
Patriots’ blitz could not contain Cam Newton – Sports – The Boston Globe
Interesting. Especially when it’s such an easy criticism crutch to say the Pats D needs to be more aggressive.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/almost-every-significant-play-the-panthers-had-on/
Personnel Mismatch: The Week 11 Return of Patriots Halfback Shane Vereen | NEPatriotsDraft.com
Nice breakdown of Vereen’s return by Oliver Thomas.
Interesting comparison between Welker and the two guys who have combined to replace him.