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New England Patriots 2014 Training Camp Superlatives and Awards

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As another training camp for the New England Patriots comes to a close, it’s time to take a look back and hand out some awards for those who did or didn’t stand out for the right or wrong reasons.

Undrafted Rookie Star: An undrafted rookie makes the team almost every year and this year certainly won’t be an exception due to the exceptional play of cornerback Malcolm Butler. Rarely did a practice or game pass where Butler wasn’t making plays on the ball. Butler is a near-lock to make the roster.

Biggest Surprise(s): The immediate return to health of Vince Wilfork and Rob Gronkowski has been one of the nicest surprises of camp. Usually players coming off major injuries like a torn ACL or Achilles start out on the PUP list, but both of these major injury concerns appear to be on track for the season opener. Wilfork still shows great get-off and almost appears refreshed after the season off.

The “They are what they are” award: What can you say about Tom Brady and Darrelle Revis that hasn’t been said. They are two of the best players in the NFL today and they continued to prove it this summer. It should be a thrill to watch these two this fall.

The “Brady’s Window Storyline Killer” Award: I never really subscribed to Tom Brady’s window being a major impetus for the decisions the Patriots make. Now with Jimmy Garoppolo showing real promise it should put that angle to rest. Now it can just be about building the best team possible for now and the long term, regardless of when the Brady-to-Garoppolo transition happens (which is how it kind of always was anyways).

The “You’re Not Helping Yourself” Award: Stevan Ridley put the ball on the turf against the Eagles and though it may or may not have been a fumble, he’s certainly not helping himself to put his ball security questions behind him. Mike Reiss even speculated last week that Ridley could be cut. That’s a long shot, but Ridley really needs to hold on to the ball this season if he wants another contract from New England.

The “Will Someone Please Step Up” Award: Seems like heading into the regular season the door is still wide open for the safety spot next to McCourty. It seems to make sense that some combination of Duron Harmon/Patrick Chung/Tavon Wilson will rotate depending on circumstances, but right now this looks like the weak point in the Pats starting defense.

The “Buzz Kill” Award: Last year at this time Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga were not even on the roster, yet by January they were important cogs to the Patriots defense with long-term potential. Both sustained injuries that don’t appear to be serious, but they were pencilled in to be important parts of the Pats’ DL rotation. Siliga has been back at practice while Jones remains out. Once both are back up to speed the Pats defensive line will get a major boost.

The “Look Out NFL” Award: I’m giving this one to Jamie Collins and Dominique Easley because these two players are exactly what the Pats’ defense has been missing. They embody what every defense needs these days – athletic linebackers who can cover and explosive interior defensive linemen who can cause instant chaos in the quarterbacks lap. If both live up to their potential these two guys could be huge keys to the Pats’ fortunes.

The “It’s About Time, But Still Too Late” Award: Ryan Mallett hadn’t shown me much in his previous preseasons, but against the Eagles he finally showed the potential I’ve been looking for. He’s still not a great fit for the offense New England has built, but he certainly looks like he’ll get a shot somewhere else next season. Unfortunately it didn’t come sooner to help the Pats trade him while he still had value to them. I remain skeptical that Mallett will make the team.

The Giant Question Mark Award: We didn’t seen much out of Aaron Dobson after his breakout game against the Steelers just before the bye last season. Can he live up to his draft status? Rumors are that the Pats still have high hopes for him, but can he make a Year 2 jump? It’s still a huge unknown that will have great impact on the Pats’ offensive potential. He really needed that touchdown grab that he got against the Giants and looked strong and decisive. Opponents might not know what’s about to hit them with a new and improved Dobson.

The “Don’t Get Hurt” Award: Gotta split this one up five ways between defensive ends Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones and linebackers Jerod Mayo, Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower. Depth behind all five is pretty thin, especially at defensive end and losing any one of these five will be cause for concern. It’s frighteningly similar to the defensive tackle spot last year and the unthinkable happened there. Hopefully that won’t happen for a second year in a row.

The “Boyce Brigade” Award: This goes to all the huge Josh Boyce fans out there who are assured he’ll make the team. I have no horse in the race. I’d love for him to be good, but I just haven’t seen anything out of him in the last year that gets me excited about him in any role on offense. But he certainly has his fans out there, so this one’s for you.

The Underdog Award: Roy Finch joins an illustrious group of undersized but explosive playmakers trying to carve out a role in the preseason. It’s hard not to root for Finch, but is he ready for an NFL-size pounding? A year on the practice squad might be best for him, but he could use a big performance in the last two preseason games.

The “Stop Teasing Us” Award: This one goes to Kenbrell Thompkins, who had plenty of buzz once again this offseason, yet continues to be inconsistent. Thompkins needs to put it all together and start playing with confidence. If he does that he could be a breakout star on offense. But his inconsistencies might hold him back just enough to let Dobson or Brandon LaFell pass him on the depth chart. 

The “No Idea” Award: I just have no idea what to expect out of Michael Buchanan this season. He could play significant snaps and be a rotational third defensive end, or he could be stuck in a special teams fill-in role once again. Haven’t seen a ton out of him this preseason to get me excited, but there’s really no one to challenge him. Zach Moore seems a year away to me despite a solid showing last night. Jake Bequette is a close second for this award. 

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The NFL wants to score, score, score, eschewing defensive responsibilities in the name of weekly shootouts. Embarrass Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl, will you? Well, the NFL will just threaten to enforce the rules it put in place a decade ago when Manning was rendered useless in the playoffs by the New England Patriots. Make no mistake, this preseason flag-fest is partly aimed at making guys like Manning, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers become record-setting monsters. The NFL insists it’s a safety issue. Please. What’s good for the fantasy roster is good for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. That’s just pathetic.

RIP, NFL – Eric Wilbur’s Sports Blog – Boston.com

This is really getting bad and Wilbur makes a great point, ever since 2004 the NFL has slowly been making it harder and harder to actually play defense. So I guess the Pats are partially to blame?

I still have hope that things will calm down during the regular season and if a DB brushes his hand accidentally on a wide receiver downfield it won’t get a flag. But the NFL is really trying their best to kill the game. This is a football blog, and I love defense, and I don’t care one bit about fantasy, so if things continue down this path I might have to find a new line of blogging.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-nfl-wants-to-score-score-score-eschewing/

Final Patriots-only Top 50 Big Board

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Here’s a final look at my Top 50 prospects that I think fit the Patriots. I think overall there’s good depth for the Patriots’ needs but it will be interesting to see what they prioritize and what shocking moves they make (because they definitely will take someone that leaves me saying “who?”

It’s odd that almost every mock draft has the Pats taking Dominique Easley or Rashede Hageman. There’s been reports in recent weeks that the Pats don’t even have Hageman on their board.

Who knows what’s true or not, but in my mind, Easley is the guy I want most. He’s everything I’ve been writing about wanting for the last four seasons. I really hope it happens and I’m glad to say I came to him on my own before all the hype started with him going to New England.

I’m very curious when they take a tight end. Something tells me it won’t be as high as some people think. I’d guess third round at the earliest.

I have really become enamored of DE Kareem Martin in the last couple weeks. He looks like a three-down DE in the Pats system to me and one who could be a real difference maker. 

Allen Robinson is another wild card who I think is an excellent fit at wide receiver. Don’t think WR is a huge need, but I think if the timing was right they’d pounce on Robinson.

Lots of centers and guards that I like as well. I could see them take at least two of them.

Those are some of my final thoughts. My last mock draft will go up on B/R tomorrow morning and then we’ll be off. Tomorrow will also be packed with throwback Patriots draft videos to get everyone through the day.

And obviously there will be plenty of action here on the blog as the Pats’ picks start to roll in.

Without further ado, here’s the final Top 50 big board for 2014. We’re shooting for 50% this year!

2014 Patriots-Only Big Board (* – my favorites)

  1. *Dominique Easley, DT, Florida: Undersized, but explosive. One-gapper. Injury history – ACL in 2013.
  2. Ra’Shede Hageman, DL, Minnesota:  Perhaps a little boom-or-bust but potential to add size to the defensive tackle group, with ability to move around and bring versatility.
  3. *Stephon Tuitt, DL, Notre Dame: Great size and strength and versatility to play any spot on the defensive line. Better junior year film after injury put him over weight.
  4. *Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington:  Prototypical Y-TE who is a solid red-zone threat and blocks with aggression. Another good Gronk compliment and maybe my favorite TE for the Pats.
  5. *Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA: Experienced and powerful, instant starter at right guard for Pats?
  6. *David Yankey, OG, Stanford:  Versatile captain with very good size could be immediate starter inside.
  7. Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada: Outstanding playing personality and dedication to football. Very versatile, shot up draft boards near the end.
  8. Calvin Pryor, SS, Louisville: Violent enforcer would bring a needed element to Pats’ safety squad.
  9. Marquise Lee, WR, USC:  Dynamic receiver who might be too good to pass up despite the presence of Aaron Dobson.
  10. Trent Murphy, DE/OLB, Stanford: Good instincts, motor and toughness. Bit of a tweener in Pats system, but plays the way they like.
  11. *Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina: Good strength and burst. Could slip inside on passing downs. Captain.
  12. *C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa: Willing blocker with slippery ability to get open. Another solid TE prospect that could play the Y.
  13. Troy Niklas, Y-TE, Notre Dame: Huge target in the mold of Gronk with the potential to be an every-down tight end almost immediately.
  14. Jace Amaro, F-TE, Texas Tech: Still a bit raw but knows how to get open in the passing game with ideal tight end size. He’d be a good compliment to Gronk and able to play the Y or F spots.
  15. *Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State: Good size and productivity in Bill O’Brien’s offense that would translate to pros.
  16. Daquan Jones, DT, Penn State: Good build with quickness inside, could play either DT or NT in Pats’ 4-3 scheme. Good size, maybe a second-rounder.
  17. *Gabe Jackson, OG, Miss State: Excellent size with nimble feet. Can be over-aggressive at times. Two-time captain. Very SEC experienced.
  18. Deone Buchanan, SS, WSU: Aggressive, downhill box defender and core special-teams player.
  19. Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas:  Would give the Pats a huge size bump at the center spot. Familiarity with Arkansas offese will help transition. Two-time captain, football junkie.
  20. Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State: Durable vocal leader with good size.
  21. *Russell Bodine, C, North Carolina: Short-armed, but aggressive and great knee bend. Good size too.
  22. Jason Verrett, CB, TCU: Undersized but competitive, likely best to fit in the slot.
  23. Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State: Good all-around running back who runs hard downhill, welcomes contact.
  24. Andre Williams, RB, Boston College:  Smart, powerful back would be good insurance on Ridley/Vereen.
  25. Christian Jones, ILB, Florida State: Great athlete with ideal size who could play multiple LB positions. Awareness an issue? Sounds like Mayo.
  26. Dakota Dozier, OG, Furman: Outstanding size with powerful build. Experienced and light on feet.
  27. Jonotthan Harrison, C, Florida: Size, strength and intangibles. Could play any interior position.
  28. *Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech: Elite athleticism and size, would need time but could develop to challenge Brady in 2-3 years.
  29. Bryan Stork, C, Florida State: Athletic with excellent size. Hard worker, the game is important to him.
  30. Brock Vereen, FS, Minnesota: Shane’s brother is a smart, rangy free safety who is a leader.
  31. Marcus Smith, DE, Louisville: Hybrid defender who could play multiple spots and roles. HS QB.
  32. Ed Stinson, DE, Alabama: Great frame with impressive size and strength. Would be an interesting developmental tool in BB’s defense. Two-gapper, maybe any spot in 34 DL.
  33. Crockett Gilmore, TE, Colorado State: Good size for a Y tight end, maybe not the best receiving threat but could be a good Gronk insurance type in later rounds.
  34. Vinnie Sunseri, SS, Alabama: Instinctive, physical and a leader. Coming off injury.
  35. Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State: Big, tough, experienced, durable, competitive Mike linebacker with good speed.
  36. Trey Burton, F-TE, Florida: Versatile and competitive. Player multiple spots, incl. QB. McDaniels’ Swiss Army Knife?
  37. Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood: Great size, outside press man potential, but from small school.
  38. Tyler Gaffney, RB, Stanford: Good size and versatility, runs downhill. Good compliment to the current NE backs.
  39. Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU: Determined, tough and aggressive. Not ideal size but plays hard. Captain.
  40. TJ Jones, WR, Notre Dame: Experienced captain who would be a slot receiver with some versatility (special teams) on Pats.
  41. Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin: Smart, hardworking receiver who has all the intangibles. Ran many Patriots-like routes.
  42. Quincy Enunwa, WR, Nebraska: Good size and excellent intangibles. Could play outside.
  43. Brandon Linder, OG, Miami: Great size, durability, and intangibles. Aggressive. Versatile – played all along line, incl. TE.
  44. *Jeremy Gallon, WR, Michigan: Good coverage recognition, smooth. Quick, good explosion, nice hands. Undersized.
  45. Ladarius Perkins, RB, Miss. St: Captain with great agility and vision. Underrated catcher, good acceleration. 
  46. *Jordan Tripp, OLB, Montana State: Instinctive and tough.
  47. Travis Carrie, CB, Ohio: Good size and awareness with special teams experience. Student of the game, leadership.
  48. Josh Mauro, DE, Stanford: Good size and versatility,not a ton of pass rush presence but could develop.
  49. Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh: Inconsistent pocket passer.
  50. Rob Blanchflower, Y-TE, UMass: Good size and experience. Developmental #3 Y-TE.

Boston Herald: Patriots propose four rules changes, including extending extra points

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Boston Herald: Patriots propose four rules changes, including extending extra points

I’m on board with all of these…

1. Extend extra points: Move the line of scrimmage to the 25-yard line, which would make an extra point a 42- or 43-yard field goal, depending on the kicking unit’s spacial preference. Bill Belichick has often voiced his annoyance with how easy the extra point has become. Currently, the line of scrimmage is on the 2.

2. Raise goal posts: Extend the length of the goal posts by 5 feet. Remember, Vince Wilfork and the Patriots were heated during a 2012 regular-season loss to the Ravens, whose game-winning field goal appeared to cross directly over the goal post. The replacement officials determined the kick was not reviewable.

3. Add boundary cameras: Place fixed cameras on key boundary lines (end zone) for better views on instant replays.

4. Expand instant replay: Allow coaches to challenge all rulings except scoring plays, which are already automatically reviewable. As it stands, some random rules are not reviewable.