PatsPropaganda

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufkHymQEuqc

Greg Bedard reports that the Pats have come to terms with Dan Connolly, and also speculates that it likely means the end of the line for Dan Koppen in New England, which is the end of era.

We all took for granted how seamlessly Connolly replaced Koppen this year at center, which is no easy task. Clearly the Patriots like what he did and perhaps see a long term future for him there. Although I wouldn’t rule him out at guard either.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/greg-bedard-reports-that-the-pats-have-come-to/

Patriots sign safety, free agency plan emerging

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The Patriots announced their second and third outside Free Agent signings today, finalizing a three-year pact with former Chargers Safety Steve Gregory, and defensive tackle Marcus Harrison.

Gregory was San Diego’s starter at safety in 2011, and while that’s not exactly a compliment, he played a lot of snaps and also has special teams experience.

Gregory and Harrison join Jonathan Fanene as the newest Patriots, while the team is also reportedly scheduled to meet with safety Laron Landry, wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez and DE/OLB Trevor Scott.

The Pats free agency plan is slowly becoming apparent: adding depth in the defensive front seven and at safety, while also kicking the tires on a wide out like Gonzalez. There’s no question the Pats lack depth at these positions and they are strategically rounding out the roster to protect themselves.

Fanene makes sense as the first singing as he projects to be the much needed situational pass rusher alongside a hopefully healthy Myron Pryor. For two seasons the Pats have lacked a true interior pass rushing threat due to injuries to Pryor and Mike Wright, forcing them to use Vince Wilfork in passing down situations, which is not his strength.

Most fans calling for pass rushers might not have realized it when Fanene signed, but he could be a significant part of the answer to the pass rush problems that have plagued New England, especially against the three-step drop passing game. The impact of a quality interior rusher is often understated, but against a team like Buffalo who like to get the ball out quick, interior rushers are invaluable. Especially one who can cause disruption like Fanene is known to do.

As always the Patriots are rounding out their roster at the positions they most lacked depth with mid-level veterans who may be devalued due to injuries or lack of playing time and/or opportunity. The aim is to go into the draft without a glaring personnel need. There could still be a talent need, but the base of competition at each position should be set.

A scout’s take on Landry | National Football Post

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A scout’s take on Landry | National Football Post

Laron Landry is reportedly scheduled to meet with the Patriots this weekend and the reaction to potentially adding him to the mix has been a mixed bag from Pats fans worried that he’s just another injury prone player.

Personally I don’t really worry too much about guys who are labelled as “injury prone”. You’re going to lose players to injuries every year, but more often than not they’re of the freaky nature of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s impossible to predict who will get hurt, even if you have had a year or two of injuries.

Now Landry definitely has issues with his achilles that needs to be checked out, but if it’s healed I don’t see it as a reason not to bring him aboard. Let’s not forget this is a safety who ran a sub-4.4 at the combine, and was taken sixth overall.

It’s taking chances on guys like this who are attainable at a lesser price due to their injury that can really pay off. Let’s remember Rob Gronkowski was taken off many draft boards because of his back issues.

Some will say he’s not enough of a free safety type to be a good fit with Patrick Chung. To that I say, did you see how many games Chung played last year? The Patriots need talented bodies at safety no matter what their specialty is. We’ll let the “who plays where” of it all work itself out in training camp and over the course of the season.

Here’s what the scout has to say about Landry:

– Plays extremely hard; tough football player – Top tier athlete – More explosion than power; has strength, but will struggle at the point of attack – Limited ball skills – Not as physical as advertised in the run front – More of a hitter; will come downhill on a WR; size up players in the open field – Wants to go low on tackles – Questionable study habits – Will help a team early in the season; but will he stay healthy?

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3C3qM4jjtg

The Newest Patriot – Jonathan Fanene – DL (by PatriotsRazorDotCom)

Wow I sure do like the looks of this guy! Without Myron Pryor and Mike Wright last year the Pats lacked any real interior pass rush threat and it looks like Fanene will give them some of that presence back.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-newest-patriot-jonathan-fanene-dl-by/

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He’s a guy who can do everything they need, including rush the passer and stop the run from the inside and outside,” his agent Angelo Wright told me. “He’s a rugged, physical guy that will punch you in the mouth. You can play him inside or on the edge, a three-, five-, seven-, nine-technique, one-gap or two-gap. And he was really productive this year.

BostonHerald.com – Blogs: Rap Sheet» Blog Archive » Patriots beef up their front seven, sign former Bengals DE Jonathan Fanene

https://www.patspropaganda.com/hes-a-guy-who-can-do-everything-they-need/

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The New England Patriots have acquired Cincinnati Bengals veteran free agent defensive end Jonathan Fanene on a three-year contract, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. The move should upgrade their defensive line. Fanene, 29, is highly regarded around the NFL for his toughness and versatility. He recorded a career-high 6 ½ sacks while excelling in the Bengals’ defensive line rotation last season. The 6-foot-4, 292-pound former Utah player has 103 career tackles and 13 ½ sacks.

Scout.com: Jonathan Fanene Profile

Solid signing for the Pats at a position of need. He’ll add depth to the defensive line rotation while also bringing some sorely needed interior pass rush presence. You won’t hear many Pats fans who long for an OLB for pass rush praise this move, but it’s right in the wheelhouse for what the Pats needed most.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-new-england-patriots-have-acquired-cincinnati/