PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

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We’ll get to see exactly how solid the Patriots’ ends are because the Eagles will really test the edges with quarterback Michael Vick, running backs LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis, and receiver DeSean Jackson running reverses. Can Rob Ninkovich really handle left end, which is the strong side of a rushing offense? Can Chandler Jones rush the passer if he’s worried about not losing containment? Jones really shouldn’t have much trouble against two inferior left tackles in King Dunlap and Demetress Bell. Overall, the Eagles’ line is lacking.

5 things to watch, Patriots vs. Eagles – Patriots – Boston.com

https://www.patspropaganda.com/well-get-to-see-exactly-how-solid-the-patriots/

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The Patriots have been going against the grain for years, likely a combination of playing to their own personnel strengths but also likely cognizant of the numbers that show that there are some old ways of thinking that need to be retired for the time being. Other teams appear to have the same sort of numbers-based bent.

Interesting read about how advanced stats are really being integrated by a lot of NFL teams, with the Pats leading the way naturally.

ProFootballWeekly.com – Numbers crunching starting to change NFL thinking

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-have-been-going-against-the-grain-for/

Andrew Luck delivering on the hype so far, while Kevin Kolb’s struggles continue – Peter King – SI.com

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Andrew Luck delivering on the hype so far, while Kevin Kolb’s struggles continue – Peter King – SI.com

Couple Patriots nuggets from Peter King’s MMQB this morning…

What will Jeff Demps do with New England? Sounds like the Olympic silver medalist sprinter will have a chance to return kicks for a New England team that was horrible in the return game last year – 29th in the league. Among all players with at least 10 kick returns, the Patriots’ Danny Woodhead was 40th, at 21.9 yards per return, with no touchdowns. But Demps has an Achilles heel, according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston: Demps fumbled 11 times in 424 career touches playing with Tim Tebow at Florida. Bill Belichick won’t stand for that.

I think if defensive end Chandler Jones isn’t a bona fide star as a rookie in New England, you can shred my scouting card. (If you can find it, that is.) Maybe the most interesting thing out of New England, though, is that Ryan Mallett has had two training camps to beat out Brian Hoyer for the backup quarterback job, and when the Patriots start the season, Hoyer’s very likely to be No. 2. If Mallett were a great player, I couldn’t see this happening.

5 Patriots positions and players to watch tonight

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My Patty-sense is telling me that we’re getting a skeleton crew tonight, with the important pieces playing just a quarter, maybe more if they’re stinking, but definitely not into the second half.

It would make sense to hold some guys back. Make sure they get the full game day preparation experience, let them have a few snaps and call it a night. As BB always says there’s nothing more important than the health of your team and this next stretch of three games in ten days will be a rough one to navigate.

With that said here are some of the players I’ll be keeping an eye on tonight.

  1. Chandler Jones & Dont’a Hightower – I’m putting these two together because I’ll be looking for the same thing out of both of them, another step in their progression. It might be hard to duplicate the success that Jones had against the Saints, but this should be another opportunity for him to get his feet wet with many things he hasn’t see yet. I’m most curious though to see where and how much Hightower plays in sub-packages.
  2. Ryan Wendell – over the past week no one has made a harder push for a starting job than Wendell. He’s drawn almost universal praise from those who have been at practice. This Eagle front should be a good test for him. Wendell could give this offense some badly needed versatility on the interior of the line regardless.
  3. Defensive Backs – Assuming Tavon Wilson is out this is a chance for some new guys to show what they can do in the Money position. Will Allen had some aggressive plays against the Saints, look for him to be the guy to step in for Wilson. Also curious to see if Ihedigbo and Barrett get some looks there, or Hoodie forbid, Sergio.
  4. Brandon Bolden – with the signing of Jeff Demps a spotlight has been ignited on Brandon Bolden and I would not be surprised at all to see him start over Shane Vereen. Not because he’s necessarily better than Vereen, but because the Patriots need to see him with the 1’s to know exactly what he can do. It also doesn’t hurt to spare Vereen a bit for the third preseason game. Bolden needs to prove that he can get the tough two yards, and if he can bust a long one or two it certainly won’t hurt his cause.
  5. Ryan Mallet – We kind of know what we have in Brian Hoyer, and he’s probably going to attract some free agency interest next season, so the question that emerges is whether or not Ryan Mallet could be the future at QB after TFB. There’s no question he’s flashed a big arm, but he’s also been woefully inconsistent. There’s still time to iron that all out. But the stage is definitely set for Mallet to really flash what kind of potential he has at some point this preseason. His long term future with the Pats could be significantly affected by his performance over the next ten days.

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Keeping the Saints out of the end zone – even in the preseason – is an accomplishment, and that’s what the Patriots were able to do last Thursday night. They’ve followed up that performance with a week of practice that featured the defense flying around and causing havoc for Brady and his offense, including a number of interceptions. The test it will face in the Eagles is different than what the defense has seen before, as Michael Vick adds an element of elusiveness from the quarterback position that can prove lethal on any snap.

New England Patriots finally return to action against Philadelphia Eagles – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/keeping-the-saints-out-of-the-end-zone-even-in/

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Here is what [Mike Reiss] believes is the story behind the story on why Jeff Demps ultimately decided to sign with the Patriots instead of a handful of other interested clubs: When it initially appeared Demps wouldn’t be going to the Olympics, the Patriots had arranged a trip for him to come to New England for a workout. They were the most aggressive of any team in the NFL at the time. But on the day Demps was supposed to travel to New England, he learned that an injury to Mike Rodgers opened a spot for him on the U.S. Olympic team. The Patriots had to eat the plane ticket, but Demps essentially showed the team loyalty by giving it the first opportunity to sign him upon his return from London.

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/here-is-what-mike-reiss-believes-is-the-story/