PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

First off, huge fan of the blog. In depth and timely coverage of everything us pats fanatics need to know – keep up the good work. What are your thoughts recently about the secondary? Seemed strong in the 4th vs. jets with 3 picks, but all they’ve faced so far is rookie QBs still becoming acclimated to the speed of the NFL. Dennard seemed refined despite missing preseason, but what happens after his sentencing hearing in December? Will we finally be able to defend the long ball in the playoffs?

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Thanks, and that’s the big question. Of course it’s a little stressful at the moment with Talib missing practice on Monday and Dennard possibly unavail in December depending on what the happens with his probation.

So, the thing to focus on in the coming weeks is the progression of Logan Ryan. One way or another he’s going to be a vital part of this defense and we haven’t seen much of him yet.

At this point we really have no idea what the secondary in January is going to look like. In the best case it’s what we have now. In the worst case, with Dennard out, and Talib battling injuries like last year, it could be Arrington and Ryan with Cole in the slot. Yikes.

As always I continue to worry more about the front seven. If they’re getting great pressure it won’t matter all that much who’s back there. We’ll see how it all plays out, but for now let’s hope Logan Ryan starts to get his feet wet a little more.

Matt Patricia Conference Call Transcript

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Matt Patricia Conference Call Transcript

Q: We’ve seen some contributions from Michael Buchanan, just in terms of that sub-rushing role. What has he been able to do just from when he first arrived as a seventh-round draft choice to the present day to put himself in position to be part of that mix for you?

MP: I think it’s like everybody that comes in day one in the spring. No matter how they arrive here, it’s obviously just trying to go out and prove that they can earn a position on the roster and contribute somehow to the defense, and certainly Michael’s done a good job since he’s been here of improving and trying to the learn the game and trying to get better. Certainly with everybody that is on the roster, we prepare each week to play and to get ready to go out and do our job that weekend. He’s been able to handle that in his capacity and, like I said, do a real good job to improve from his fundamental techniques to everything that we’re asking him to do as a defensive end and just try to get better. So, [he’s] certainly someone that came in and showed us different things throughout the spring and training camp that we thought, ‘He’d be able to help us win.’

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Matthew Slater is the latest injury the Patriots will be forced to deal with. The special teams captain is dealing with a hand or wrist injury, depending on who you believe, and his status for Sunday’s game is in question. The popular Slater apparently suffered the injury in Thursday’s win over the Jets — if he’s not able to go Sunday against the Bucs, it will be interesting to see who will be asked to take over his role as leader of the New England special teams unit.

It Is What It Is » Five Monday evening thoughts on the Patriots, the Bucs and Danny Amendola

https://www.patspropaganda.com/matthew-slater-is-the-latest-injury-the-patriots/

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https://www.patspropaganda.com/10399/

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Even if they’re ugly 2-0 victories, a victory is a victory,” he said. “I’d rather have ugly wins than pretty losses any day, and I had a lot of pretty losses in my career, so I’ll take the ugly wins. All that counts, man. It’s going to stack up. I know as the weeks go by, we’re going to get better as a team.

Tommy Kelly’s time with Raiders serves as reminder not to take Patriots 2-0 start for granted – Going Deep – Boston.com

https://www.patspropaganda.com/even-if-theyre-ugly-2-0-victories-a-victory-is/

Should we be concerned that Josh Boyce has not seen the field yet? Will he be a contributor at all this season? When Gronk is healthy, he will have him, Edeleman, Dobson, Thompkins, and hopefully Amendola to compete with. I don’t see how he gets in there. Thoughts?

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I defer to the coaches in this situation, since we’ve only seen a limited collection of plays, most of which came during the preseason. All we can do is assume that Thompkins and Dobson have been better in practice and that’s why they’re getting the majority of the chances early. I like that they’re sticking with them too. Boyce’s chance will come, he’ll have to make the most of it though.