An Independent Patriots Blog
The return of Gronkowski would be a game-changer for the Patriots, even though Brady finally found a little connection with rookie WRs Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson in Week 3. Gronkowski not only opens up the passing attack, but also his blocking makes life easier for Steven Ridley and the Patriots’ backs.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-return-of-gronkowski-would-be-a-game-changer/
The 49ers won Thursday night, but still lost in handling Aldon Smith | The MMQB with Peter King
Bedard on Pats alert! Bedard on Pats alert! Holy hoodie, I miss the Wet Blanket of Reason…
Despite beating the Buccaneers, 23-3, the Patriots’ offense is still out of whack. Quarterback Tom Brady has not played well to this point, partly because he’s faced three defenses (Bills, Jets and Bucs) that specialize in changing their pre- and post-snap looks. Those kinds of schemes always put doubt in Brady’s mind, where there normally is none. He’ll face another this week from Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. In games against these varied schemes, Brady has to trust (more than usual) that his receivers will be in the right places. But the Pats’ young receivers are still repeating many of the same mistakes: making cautious, rounded-off cuts at the top of routes (Kenbrell Thompkins); not adjusting routes quickly enough based on coverage (Aaron Dobson); unable to beat coverage (Michael Hoomanawanui and Zach Sudfeld); and showing an overall lack of polish in the system (Josh Boyce). With Julian Edelman commanding more double teams, Brady is running out of options. It would really help if the Patriots doubled down more on the running game. It has been impressive most of the time, and their best plays have come off hard run action. This offense must start showing gradual improvement if it hopes to be executing at a high level later in the season.
The Patriots, as we know, used three running backs in featured roles during Week 3, but weren’t the only team to go with a by-committee approach. The Falcons, who were without Jackson in Week 3 (and likely will be again in Week 4), relied upon both Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling to combine for nearly 200 yards of total offense. How will each running back rotation play out this weekend? Might the Patriots ride the hottest hand and again feature Brandon Bolden early? Or will Stevan Ridley reassume his top back status? For the Falcons, count on Rodgers to be the starter and early down back, with Snelling providing straight-line running and very good pass catching in a reserve role.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-as-we-know-used-three-running-backs/
The Patriots will likely get a boost on offense Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons with the return of All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Danny Amendola, according to a league source.
Source: Plan is for Gronkowski, Amendola to play Sunday – Extra Points – Boston.com
Let the misinformation game continue. I honestly still wouldn’t be surprised if neither dressed.
And here’s a report from John Clayton that neither are expected to play. Well played this week, BB. Well played…
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-will-likely-get-a-boost-on-offense/
PatsFans.com: 2013 New England Patriots Stats
Some great Pats stats here from PatsFans. I just bookmarked this page. Check it out!
For books Pat Kirwan’s Take Your Eye Off The Ball is a great place to start. You can also dig through the archives of SmartFootball.com. There’s a wealth of Pats-specific information in there. Chris Brown also wrote The Essential Smart Football, which is a collection of his best articles. Here’s one of his best Pats articles, Ode to the War Daddies.
Blood, Sweat and Chalk is another one I enjoyed that touches on the evolution of schemes in football. There are plenty of more specific books, but those are some good places to start.
