PatsPropaganda

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Simply put, Reed’s eyes move faster than his legs. At 35, Reed does not have the speed and functional mobility he had during the prime years of his career. Where this limitation shows up most is on downfield throws on which he needs to drift from his center field alignment to provide aid over the top to a cornerback.

Analysis: Could Ed Reed help the New England Patriots? – ESPN Boston

As I mentioned yesterday, it’s a long shot for Reed to end up in New England. Given his lack of range the only real place I could see him is at the third safety spot in the sub-packages.

This could work because it would only give him half the field to worry about and between him and McCourty covering deep it would be a pretty good tandem defending against Peyton next weekend. 

I get why Pats fans are clamoring for him, but we’re about three years too late for the real Ed Reed. Still, if the move was made, I think he could help in some ways.

Get your Patriots tickets!

https://www.patspropaganda.com/simply-put-reeds-eyes-move-faster-than-his-legs/

Patriots-Panthers Preview

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The New England Patriots finally looked like the real Patriots two weeks ago, when they put on a 55-31 drubbing on a relatively solid defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers. After weeks of Tom Brady having to deal with an inconsistent and less-than-healthy offensive supporting cast, week nine offered up his healthiest weapons since the season started – with only running back Shane Vereen not at his disposal. That lead to the 55-point explosion, and had Patriots fans everywhere thinking of 2007 again.

With the gritty Carolina Panthers hosting New England in Week 11, the Pats better hope that’s the case. After all, Carolina has five straight wins to their name, including a tough road victory against the battle-tested San Francisco 49ers. The Patriots have been no stranger to solid defenses and close games in 2013, though, as six of their games in 2013 have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Still, as battle-tested as the Pats clearly are in 2013, they have yet to face a team as hot as the Panthers. The intense matchup is actually a reasonable $245 on average this week, with a slick get-in tag of just $81. Despite the tough matchup for the Pats, this one is 6% cheaper than the average price for Patriots tickets on the road this year, while this one is an incredible 70% more expensive than normal Carolina Panthers tickets at home.

New England is on the road against a hot team that just beat the 49ers, so no one would be all that upset or surprised if they dropped to 7-3 here. However, their two losses one the year came when their team was far from 100 percent. Now, with their roster finally getting healthy it may be exactly what the Patriots need to get to 8-2. One thing is for sure, though, that New England with Rob Gronkowski, Danny Amendola and Shane Vereen can’t be music to the Panthers’ ears.

And remember, for the best deals on NFL regular season, playoffs, and Super Bowl tickets, always visit TiqIQ.com.

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Some historical perspective on the 2013 Patriots and their DVOA ratings, Sub/Base mix and 3rd down percentages.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/some-historical-perspective-on-the-2013-patriots/

Handing out midseason New England Patriots awards – ESPN Boston

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Handing out midseason New England Patriots awards – ESPN Boston

Great stuff in here, and I have to say my opinions line up a little closer with Field Yates’.

My choices:

Offensive MVP: Tom Brady

It hasn’t been his best season stats-wise and it might be easy to overlook him, but Brady has stood tall in the face of unprecedented adversity and come through with some clutch moments despite some inconsistency.

Defensive MVP: Devin McCourty

The back end of the Patriots defense has been a major problem since 2010, but now with McCourty back there, the Pats haven’t been hemorrhaging passing yards any more. We knew a full offseason working at safety would help. McCourty’s been one of the best in the NFL.

Rookie of the Year: Chris Jones

Little debate about this one, Jones has been outstanding replacing Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly. With his interior rushing skills he should be a long-term fixture on the defense. He should be even better with a rotation around him.

Game of the Year: Saints

There hasn’t been a last-minute miracle win like this one for the Pats in a long time. Certainly wasn’t a perfect game and left us with concerns, but it showed the Pats once again have a fearless team that will fight until the end.

Best Coaching Decision: Cover 1 Robber Defense

Look back at the tape of when the Pats were getting shredded in recent seasons and almost always you’ll see soft zone coverage. Maybe it’s been Aqib Talib or maybe it’s just the better talent all over, but the Pats have been primarily a man-to-man defense and it’s made a big difference. Steve Gregory excels in the robber role, coming down into the box against the run or to cut off the short inside routes. They still don’t get over-aggressive but they have the corners to execute the scheme and the results are clear.

Unsung Hero: Michael Hoomanawanui

I’m with Reiss on this one, Hooman has come through with a few big catches playing 71.1 percent of the offensive snaps. That could dip a bit now with Rob Gronkowski back, but the Hooman did an admirable job playing a big role.

Second-Half Player to Watch: Aqib Talib

I’m excited to see what Shane Vereen does, but I think the Patriots playoff hopes live or die with Talib’s ability to be the shutdown corner he was early this season. If he can do that the Pats will be a very tough out.