An Independent Patriots Blog
Patriots offensive groupings for first Texans game
The Patriots were fairly balanced in this one despite not having Gronk. He’ll replace Hoomanwanui in the 12 personnel and likely the Pats will play that the majority of the time in the rematch.
The Patriots were in their base defense on 47 of 70 snaps on Dec. 10, a result of the Texans playing mostly with multiple tight ends. That is likely to be the case again next Sunday, as tight end Garrett Graham, who didn’t play Dec. 10 because of a concussion, is healthy again to give the Texans three options at the position (Graham, Owen Daniels and James Casey). That means it could be a Brandon Spikes-type game for the Patriots, as the hard-hitting middle linebacker sparks the base D.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-were-in-their-base-defense-on-47-of/
Patriots need to work on offense during bye week – Patriots – Boston.com
Good wrap up of the season finale from Greg Bedard, and he’s concerned about Lloyd. Otherwise some good stuff especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Lloyd has been dealing with a knee injury and perhaps that’s to blame for his inability to cut better. Regardless of the reason, the Patriots have to be giving serious thought, depending on the matchup, to limiting Lloyd to just shot plays, because at this point, it’s questionable that Brady will trust him in a playoff game.
Why the Patriots are going back to the Super Bowl – WEEI | Kirk Minihane
Here’s why the Broncos – even at home – will lose to the team that owns the last win over them. I think Peyton Manning will put up numbers against the New England defense, will have his moments – but I’m sure Tom Brady will carve up the Denver defense. Brady has played the Broncos three times over the last 13 months (twice at home) and is 72-of-99 for 904 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception in three wins. The Broncos have a top-five defense and some A-list players, but they have demonstrated zero ability to slow down Brady and this offense, let alone stop it. And that’s why Brady and Belichick will be back in New Orleans.
Tom Brady was right to call out the Patriots offense after Jacksonville game – Patriots – Boston.com
Good stuff as always and perhaps slightly more concerning than other takes…
Brady, Wes Welker, Stevan Ridley, Danny Woodhead, and Deion Branch came to play against the Jaguars. Notice that those are four battled-tested veterans and a second-year back (Ridley) trying to prove himself after some recent fumbles. Everyone else on offense — especially the line — submitted a performance that was just as bad as the defense’s in the 37-31 victory over the Bills Nov. 11. “Execution was terrible,” Brady said Sunday. That it was.
Good read from Chris Price and more on this topic of the rookie class coming from yours truly in tomorrow’s B/R column which will be up later tonight.
Breaking Down How the New England Patriots Shredded the 49ers Defense | Alen Dumonjic
Great stuff from the always interesting and insightful Alen Dumonjic.
After letting this win over the Bills marinate for the last 20 hours or so I went back to take a look at the condensed game film as I usually do on Mondays. A lot to be excited about, unfortunately it’s hard to be too happy when it looks like Jerod Mayo and Stevan Ridley […]