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Pats at 25th in pass rush by these metrics. I think this supports that most of the defensive improvement this year has been because of coverage on the back end.
Throw Tommy Kelly and Armond Armstead back into the equation and let’s see what happens.
Oh Felger and Mazz. Look, the only things I really listen to are BB and TB’s interviews each week, and even lately I’ve stopped listening to those due to D&C and BB no longer giving anything of interest to Salk and Holley unless he’s calling them out for asking dumb questions.
All the other stuff out there is just by design meant to get a reaction out of people. If I had to talk about the Patriots every day for three hours I’m sure even I would say some pretty stupid stuff sometimes, I probably do already.
If you’re looking for real analysis watch NFLN’s Playbook, or NBC Sports’ Turning Point, or you can even listen to the podcast that Erik Frenz and I do, or the 4th and 2 Podcast over at PatsFans.com.
I think it’s safe to say that blogger podcasts might just be the best thing around if you want to hear real football analysis, without blatant attempts to force a reaction or have a “HOT SPORTSZ TAKE”.
In regards to Gronk and the black jersey, it’s not really that hard for me to believe he was the practice player of the week given how well the Pats shut down Jimmy Graham. It’s certainly not as interesting or fun to talk about as what Felger and Mazz made up, but the truth rarely is.
Questions, Comments, Complaints, Compliments, Whatever
It’s Friday Q and A time, Pats Peeps! Let us have ado!!!
Geno Smith had a rough day the first time the New York Jets and New England Patriots faced off in 2013. It was one of those dreadful Thursday Night Football matchups, and despite the Pats barely hanging onto a 13-10 home win, the Jets kept feeling to be completely out of it due to Smith’s three interceptions (all to Aqib Talib). Smith has had moments where he’s flashed brilliance, however, so there is some optimism that the purchasing of New York Jets tickets won’t be in vain this week.
With that said, The Pats still present a major challenge, as Tom Brady probably would have carved up Gang Green in their first meeting, had it not been for a plethora of drops and poorly run routes by his receiving options. This time around, we suspect he will.
Enter week seven, Brady and his offense have much better chemistry and the Pats might even get back stud tight end Rob Gronkowski. If Danny Amendola can play (concussion), the offense will be even better since the last time these AFC East rivals waged war.
With New England at 5-1 and trending upwards and the Jets at 3-3 and on the way down, however, this one may not be as close the second time around. Tickets for the game are averaging $229 with a get-in tag of $79. That’s 3% less than their average price for New England Patriots tickets on the road this season. On the other hand, that price is 27% higher than Jets tickets are normally are thanks to Brady and co., while the hype surrounding this divisional bout only adds to the value and appeal.
On paper one could make the case for a blowout by the hands of New England, but hits to their defense and injury questions could lessen the gap. One thing is for sure; if New York is serious about contending for the division, now is the time to do something about it.
My favorite Gronk video. What a needed boost!!
https://www.patspropaganda.com/my-favorite-gronk-video-what-a-needed-boost/
Per agent Drew Rosenhaus to PFT, “Rob [Gronkowski] has now been cleared by all his doctors to play in Sunday in the Jets game.”
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 18, 2013
