An Independent Patriots Blog
Patriots Notebook: Josh Kline’s persistence pays off
Good read on something we’ve been talking about a lot lately, the development of Josh Kline and how it seems like offensive linemen often need a couple years to develop into solid players. I’d say a lot of it is about perfecting technique because that’s such a huge part of playing inside. Kline’s just the latest guy to step up and look good.
Boston Herald/Byrne: What parity? In NFL, only teams with stud QBs thrive
This is so very true, and while I feel lucky to follow one of the teams with a great quarterback, I am really more of a fan of football defense so I’d like to see the pendulum swing back the other way. Just hopefully after Brady retires.
Can’t they just ease off on how you’re not allowed to so much as breathe on a receiver more than 4.99 yards downfield now? There have to be some subtle rule changes that can level the playing field just a bit as far as the passing game. What about something just to reduce “Flacco’ing?” You know, just tossing an underthrown ball and praying for a PI call?
Now defenses can’t hit or touch anyone until they’ve made the catch and are running freely through the field. This might be enjoyable football for those of us with good quarterbacks, but for everyone else they’re just fooling themselves if they think they have a chance to consistently compete with a great ground game and tough defense (cough Rex Ryan)…
Patriots line combos make foes dizzy
Great read from Jeff Howe on the Pats’ rotation along the offensive line. Last year we thought the rotation was based on how the Patriots were dissatisfied with their performance, but now what we’re seeing is that it’s very much by design to not only get everyone experienced but also to build depth. The fact that it causes problems for the defense is only the icing on top. We’ll see how long it continues or if they settle in on a starting five once Stork and Wendell are back, but for now it’s really working.
Boston Herald/Howe: Malcolm Butler not down on the corner
Really good read from Jeff Howe on Butler. Can’t say it enough, Butler is the most promising young corner we’ve had here since Asante and I think he will actually be even better. What we’ve seen with Butler, and it goes back to last season, is that even when he gives up plays he is right there. It’s not long before those are interceptions or defended passes. It was similar to what I noticed most with Revis last year, he was always right there. The ball might sneak through or magically get deflected right into the receiver’s hands, but he was never totally burned unless there were special circumstances. It will be exciting to watch Butler develop over the course of the season and he’ll get plenty of challenges from plenty of receivers who are just as good as Antonio Brown.
Boston Herald/Howe: Patriots are the villains of the NFL, and they’re OK with that
Good read from Jeff Howe to pass the time until kickoff.
Greats agree: Rob Gronkowski could be best TE ever
Great long read on just how good the Gronk could be. And I don’t know when Brady will be done, but there isn’t a much better piece to help the transition to a new QB than a TE like 87.
Brandon Bolden has emerged as leader for Shane Vereen’s role
I don’t love Bolden in this role, at least in the long term, but he’s reliable, great on special teams and is a pretty balanced back. My problem with Bolden is I don’t see a playmaking upside. He’ll get what’s there and not much more. However this will be only his fourth year in the league, it’s still too early to write him off, especially when he hasn’t gotten many extended opportunities.
Still, I think James White and/or Travaris Cadet will be a bigger part of the passing-down role by December.
lolpats: T’was The Night Before Playoffs…