New England Patriots Links 1/03/12 - Bring On The Bye Week
by Marima on Jan 3, 2012 10:02 AM EST
in New England Patriots Links
Email
Print
Bill Belichick addresses the media Monday.
Obviously, it's a good feeling to have a 13-3 regular season. [There were a] lot of ups and downs along the way, a lot of challenges that we had to face. The players did a good job and they performed well enough to achieve that record and that's not easy to do in this league. [We] put ourselves in decent position here, now it's really time to end that chapter and onto the next one. There's certainly a lot of things that we can do better and improve on and all those type of things so that's what we'll try to do in the coming weeks, this week and in our game preparations for next week, whoever that is against. But still working on things that we can improve on in all three phases of the game. As coaches, take a look at some of the things that we're doing and trying to figure out better ways or improving some other things that we're doing to be a little more productive. It was good to see a couple players out there yesterday who hadn't played in awhile – that's always good. Hopefully we'll see more of those moving forward. We'll just have to take those as it comes. I think the big thing for us right now is to just to use our time and our opportunities and this position in a productive manner so that's what we'll try to do here until we know specifically who our next opponent is going to be.
Wes Welker tweeting after Sunday's weird win over the Bills.
Well, she wasn't pretty, but in the end....she had a great personality!
TEAM TALK
- The New England Patriots were recognized for setting a new record this season as the top NFL team for Designated Driver Program.
- Conference Call Transcript: Bill Belichick.
- Patriots Today - Sterling's stellar performance. (2.43 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Shalise Manza Young writes about how the Patriots plan to best use their bye week.
- Tim Britton reports that despite finishing 13-3, the Patriots haven't beaten a team with a winning record.
- Shalise Manza Young takes a closer look at how the NFL playoff teams stack up in terms of strength of schedule and strength of victory.
- Christopher Price tells us ten things we learned Sunday: Patriots might be the best of a flawed bunch.
- Mike Reiss serves up a few leftover thoughts from the Patriots' season finale, including Gary Guyton's fall on the depth chart.
- Kirk Minihane says the title of Greatest QB of All Time belongs to Tom Brady, especially if the Pats find a way to win three more games this season.
- Tom E. Curran thinks Drew Brees had a better season than Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers beat them both.
- Christopher Price posts a positional playoff preview: Running backs.
- Ian Rapoport thinks Julian Edelman's future is at defensive back.
- Ian Rapoport evaluates Devin McCourty's stint at safety and concludes he really helps the team in that position.
- Ian Rapoport takes a look at four players who have successfully made the switch from corner to safety.
- Mike Reiss wonders how far the Patriots can go, living on the edge like they have been.
- Bill Reynolds isn't sure the Pats can defy football logic and win an NFL playoff game without any defense.
- Tedy Bruschi says the Patriots have to kick the habit of falling behind early.
- Mike Reiss highlights a few follow-up thoughts from coach Bill Belichick on his conference call Monday.
- Michael Hurley thinks Aaron Hernandez should be insurance against one-and-done and 19 other Patriots thoughts.
- Christopher Price says the firing of Bill Polian closes a momentous chapter in the decade-long rivalry between the Patriots and Colts.
- Mike Reiss tells us where the Patriots rank among all NFL teams, after the final game of the regular season.
- Mike Reiss looks at snaps played by Patriots defenders in the 49-21 win over the Bills, and spotlights Julan Edelman's unsung performance.
- Christopher Price breaks down the Patriots penalties for the 2011 regular season.
- Mike Reiss looks at the trickle-down effect of Patrick Chung's return, on special teams.
- Mike Reiss & Mike Rodak chart the Patriots roster by contract length. Interesting.
- Boston Globe NFL playoff matchups.
- Shalise Manza Young Patriots Notebook: It's unclear whether Devin McCourty's switch to safety Sunday was a one-time experiment or a sign of things to come; Jacksonville received permission to speak with Bill O'Brien about its head coaching vacancy; Sebastian Vollmer was spotted Dec. 20 still on crutches but he hasn't been placed on IR; End of year statistics.
- Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Bill O'Brien has a dream of being an NFL head coach; Patriots plan to focus on internal improvements this week and game-planning for each team; Wes Welker feels great and as healthy as he's been; Belichick expects Sebastian Vollmer to play at some point; Tom Brady won't miss seeing Jason Taylor on the field.
- Kirk Minihane issues his Week 17 Report Card, admitting that his criticism of a 13-3 team seems a bit absurd and a tad spoiled.
- Ron Borges grades the Patriots in his Week 17 Report Card.
NATIONAL NEWS
- John Clayton (ESPN) AFC playoff Q&A: Only three of the six AFC qualifiers look the part; clear divide among QBs.
- James Walker (ESPN) AFC East 2012 opponents.
- Kevin Fishbain (Pro Football Weekly) Patriots stock report: Week 17.
- Jim Reineking (NFL.com) Who went above and beyond the call of duty this season? Rob Gronkowski gets some love.
- Will Brinson (CBS Sports) Sorting the Sunday Pile: Week 17.
- Jason La Canfora (NFL.com) Quarterbacks carry burden of team into the postseason.
- Michael Lombardi (NFL.com) NFL playoff breakdown: Resolutions for 12 postseason teams.
- Staff Report (USA Today) 2011 award winners and Super Bowl predictions.
- Scott Kacsmar (Cold Hard Football Facts) Captain Comeback Week 17: 2011 Regular season review.
- Chris Burke (SI) NFL predictions for 2012.
- Andrew Brandt (Nat'l Football Post) New year, new questions.
- Rich Cimini (ESPNNY) Jets' chemistry experiment blows up.
- James Walker (ESPN) Seven-step drop: Jets' chemistry issues, and more from Week 17.
- Paul Kuharsky (ESPN) Call on Polians about the future.
57 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I'd like to take this moment to thank Jim Irsay for hobbling the Colts for the forseeable future.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 3, 2012 10:28 AM EST reply actions
I was surprised he held a press conference
and didn’t Tweet about the firings first. In a cryptic way, of course.
But seriously, there was something odd and awkward about the way Bill Polian would stand in camera view behind Jim Caldwell during Press Conferences – and at one point recently, doing the presser without Caldwell there at all.
From a viewer standpoint it gave the impression (whether true or not) that Caldwell was simply a puppet for Bill and not much more. It seemed evident that either Caldwell or the Polians would be gone, and I thought the Polians were too entrenched in the Colts organization to be ones let go.
I’m not even a Colts fan, but thought it was incompetence, negligence or a deliberate submarining by the Polians, the way Peyton Manning’s injury was handled. The rest of the hard-working players on the team – and its fans – deserved better. Either way, someone deserved to take the fall and I believe the right choice was made. I’ll always believe Bill Polian was behind the 2009 Week 16 debacle that turned a lot of players against the front office and set the whole downward sour trend in motion.
Keep the faith!
The Polians were ultimately responsible for the collapse
because they built a team that could not even compete due to the loss of one (albeit very talented) player. Not to belabor the point, but the Patriots lost an arguably better player at the same position, yet still managed to go 11-5. Belichick’s FO always sought to build a solid team from roster spots 1 through 53. The Colts built a disproportionate roster that never really coped with injuries very well. When the unthinkable happened, and their #1 guy went down, it was disastrous. In the past, they struggled to cope with injuries to other key players (Sanders, Freeney/Mathis, etc.), but the injury to Manning really laid bare exactly how shallow the Colts’ roster really is. The only tandem to blame for that is the Polian clan, who have made every single roster decision since 1998 (and, as you said, some of the coaching decisions, too).
The lack of depth has been apparent every year.
They paid too much to the starters and had crap for the depth guys.
Peyton covered a multitude of ineptitude, that is until they had to rely on Curtis Painter and company.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 3, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
This bye week has me very nervous
I know guys need to heal up, but I can’t remember the last time this team came out of a bye looking something other than terrible.
I can only hope we draw the Broncos again.
On McCourty
Someone made the Eugene Wilson comparison. Rappaport cited Ronnie Lott. It can be done and he certainly looked better at FS in one game than he has as a CB all year long. The drop-off is inexplicable. But we need some quick ju-ju in the backfield and if this can elevate them from abysmal to serviceable, then I say let’s go.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 3, 2012 11:12 AM EST reply actions
McCourty has pluses that help him at safety.
He’s a great tackler and tends to stick to the guy he hits.
He’s good in run support.
He plays better when the play is in front of him, and at FS, it usually is.
He takes good angles, and is the opposite of Brandon Meriweather.
He has good reaction time that allows him to correct if out of position.
If it’s a choice between playing him as an mediocre to average CB or an above average FS, then play him where his strengths lie.
All the CBs can elevate their play if they have solid backup.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 3, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
should open the playoffs like that
With Moore starting at CB. and if they play bad and give up some points on the first couple drives forcing us to switch back, it’s no big deal cause it was gonna happen anyways.
Pay the man!
Well, she wasn’t pretty, but in the end….she had a great personality!
If the FO doesn’t re-sign Wes Welker this offseason—or at least set the framework by franchising him—I will personally start the Occupy Gillette movement myself. Love this guy.
Can I Scream?
by Adam Fox on Jan 3, 2012 11:39 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
They will probably franchise him.
When you have a top tier player like Welker about to hit the FA market, the most practical thing to do is franchise him (to take away his leverage at the bargaining table) and negotiate from there. Unless he’s willing to take a below-market deal from the outset, the Pats will wait it out.
Also, there may be concerns with his durability, given the punishment he takes on a regular basis. They probably want him on a 3-year deal, and he probably wants 4 of 5. Franchising him gives the Patriots more leverage on the issue of contract length, because Welker is then faced with choosing between a 1-year deal or a 3-year deal.
It also doesn't hurt Wes that much because the franchise tag makes him quite a bit more money anyway.
Similar to when they used it on Cassel. It just doesn’t give you long term security. Of course, there are few guarantees in NFL contracts anyway.
They might do a longer contract if the dollars dropped off the last few years. Front loaded contract should work well for both sides.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 3, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I could see this happening, too
Unless he’s willing to take a below-market deal from the outset
Wes wants (and deserves) his cash, but I see him also understanding his role in the Patriots offense and how it would diminish on other teams that wouldn’t be able to utilize him the same way. It’s mutually beneficial for himself and the organization to stay on this team. Deion Branch has to be telling him the same thing after he left for a big payday, saw his numbers all but disappear, and finally reappear with Brady tossing the rock in this offense. That has to be in the discussion, right?
Can I Scream?
I'm sure it is.
There will always be that desperate team out there willing to throw cash around, though.
If the Pats are offering $5 M a year and a $10 M dollar gurarnteed signing bonus, yet someone else offers $30M in guarantees, then pocketing the $30M makes more financial sense.
Oh yeah, his numbers will drop off, but if Welker put up the same numbers for the next ten years he would never get into the Hall of Fame. He’s labeled as a plucky white slot receiver. So what good do the numbers do him? The only number in that equation is the $30M.
They’re going to have to give him something that is competitive with the going rate. I don’t know what that is, but it’s going to have to be competitive. If they had re-signed him last year, they could have done it on the cheap. Too late now.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 3, 2012 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
wouldn’t it be cheaper for kraft to kidnap welkers family and hold them hostage while making him play out his remaining years as a patriot on the cheap. kraft can release welkers family in 3 or 4 years.
if not that, my guess is that welker bends enough to make the deal. i think most players rather retire with the same team they have spent most of their lives with. i think he also realizes that having a QB like brady and winning team is important. i see him playing till 34 years old as age takes it’s toll. i’d be amazed if he goes longer.
i think welker needs to be rewarded for his past years so give him a big chunk of guaranteed money. he deserves it.
if a player puts all the emphasis on money, i’d rather see that player leave anyway.
Agreed.
Welker seems to care more about winning than anything else, but you have to be leery of what agents tell these guys behind closed doors. As much as a player might care about winning, there’s also a lot of talk about the Brotherhood of NFL Players and the importance of all members of the Brotherhood to get the best deal possible for themselves so that the market is better for their current and future peers. It’s exactly this sentiment that motivated Mankins to hold out, I think, and Wilfork expressed similar sentiments when he was less than thrilled with his contract situation. In some sense, the players do have a duty to one another NOT to take crappy deals.
That said, I do think the Patriots will ultimately give Welker a fair offer, but they might not give it to him right away. With the franchise tag in their back pocket, the club has the leverage. As a business, the Patriots would be stupid not to wield that leverage at the negotiating table to get the best possible deal for the organization. There’s very little sentiment (read: none whatsoever) involved in the personnel decisions over in Foxboro, because that part of the shop is 100% business.
Yes.
The agents also want their percentage, which obviously increases exponentially as the contract does—and the top dollar matters in every instance to the agent as they have no loyalty to a particular team. The player has the final say, but many of them stay pretty uninvolved as far as the actual negotiations go from what I hear.
There’s very little sentiment (read: none whatsoever) involved in the personnel decisions over in Foxboro
You’re definitely right, but the team will absolutely pony up and pay the core guys they feel best serve the team in contribution and philosophy, i.e. Mayo, Wilfork, Brady. I think Welker definitely falls into the same category as those guys.
…That being said, I hope this situation doesn’t fall into Logan Mankins area with a lot of ill will, endless franchise tags and holdouts.
Can I Scream?
The Britton article is pretty misleading.
If you remove the Pats game from consideration, at least 3 teams off the top of my head have winning records. (Cowboys, Jets, Chargers). And some teams had winning records when the Patriots played them (like the Broncos). The whole article is very revisionist and makes too much of a strange statistical anomaly.
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
They gave up after the Pats beat them....
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 3, 2012 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Six wins over 8-8 teams
And if the Pats had beaten the Giants, they would have been 8-8 as well. These teams didn’t have winning records BECAUSE the Pats beat them. You’re right about it being a statistical anomaly. There just weren’t many winning teams this year because everyone finished at 8-8.
by Aluminum Penguin on Jan 3, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Right! That's what I was trying to say. Thanks for saying it better than I could.
The Jets are actually 2 games north of .500 if you exclude Pats games. (And in every meaningful win/loss comparison, you’d typically look at the teams independent of their head-to-head match-ups).
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
by Hometown Gyro on Jan 3, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Excellent point
plus some of them had winning records before the Pats played them. Messing with statistics to make the Pats look bad.
Keep the faith!
Exactly.
Also, the Chargers were very solid when the Pats played them. Philip Rivers had a heck of a game. They Cowboys played a hell of a game too, and could easily have beaten the Patriots, despite their record. In the end, they won the games that were before them, and that’s all anybody can do.
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
Oops. this was supposed to be a reply to SMP
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
by Hometown Gyro on Jan 3, 2012 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
Patrick Chung is the Heart of our defense
"Thirty-seven points on the best defense in the league, suck my d–k" - Bill Belichick
The Ryan Brothers: Two brother's who never played a down as an NFL player, Yet feel the need to trash talk like they are in the Hall Of Fame
He's certainly a huge piece!
I was so elated when I got to yell, “KA-CHUNG” when he stuck the guy on the first drive to force 4th down. (Of course, they picked up the fourth down, but that’s an unlikely fake punt risk against a team with something to lose).
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
by Hometown Gyro on Jan 3, 2012 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
How in the world is Norv Turner STILL hanging on in San Diego?
I can’t imagine how frustrated Chargers fans must be, today.
Seriously? Schotenheimer?
He was almost as much a blessing to the AFC West as Norval is.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 3, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
They went from one extreme to the next.
Schotty could coach up a juggernaut of a regular season team, but always sputtered in the playoffs. Norv can’t get his team off the ground for the first half of the season, but they always seem to be flying high down the stretch.
I think the 2007 season says it all. Schotty coached up a very talented team in the years prior, but fell apart consistently in the playoffs. Norv came in, took that same team to the AFC Championship Game, gave the 17-0 Pats a run for their money, and could very well have won it all if it were any other year. But since then, Norv’s teams have really sputtered, and the utter lack of urgency and focus throughout the organization is becoming painfully apparent.
To me, he’s another good-but-not-great head coach who’ll give you mediocre to good seasons, with mostly early playoff exits. He can’t get his (pretty damn talented) team to put it all together, though, which is really the job of any NFL coach. I thought he was a goner for sure.
Just be thankful.
They could have hired Rex Ryan — just think how many superbowls they would have won by now!
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
At least three ...
in August alone.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 3, 2012 5:56 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Long two weeks
I’m happy to watch any football game, but I can’t wait to see the Patriots defend home field this year. Maybe “defend” isn’t the best word? Seriously though, despite the offensive dry spells to start games and porous defense yard-wise – I feel confident this time. If they fell behind by 14-21 points in years past, it’s pretty much game over. Both defense and offense have shown they can adjust to turn a game around. The only team that scares me outside of GB and NO is Baltimore. The latter because falling behind those too would be hard to catch up to. But Baltimore has the ability to slow us down and a run game to control the clock properly. Not saying they will, just that they can.
I don’t see the Steelers beating the Pats twice in one year – especially with the injuries they have.
If/when the Pats make the SB, I’m hoping it’s Green Bay more than the Saints. Only because it’s a dome though. They are unstoppable in a dome. At least Green Bay doesn’t seem to have a great advantage there. Plus, it would be great if Brady and Co. could take down Mr. MVP.
Don't forget
a possible Pittsburgh-Baltimore bloodbath that would take place before we have a crack at either of the two teams (C’mon, Cincy!!). If half of each roster isn’t decimated by the end of that one, the mental and physical energy expended would be absolutely immense. Then the battered and bruised victor has to make the trek to NE? I think this scenario carries a bigger edge than the No. 1 seed, imo.
Can I Scream?
This is every Pats' fans dream scenario.
The Bengals are the weakest team in the playoffs, but could absolutely pull a fast one on the hobbled Texans. While there will be a “winner” of the (likely) resulting Steelers-Ravens game, that team will be so battered and emotionally drained from playing its arch rival for a third time this season that mustering the fortitude necessary to go to NE and beat the Pats, who will be coming off a bye and a potential cake walk over the Bengals, will be damn near impossible.
I didn't even know
Jake Delhomme was still active in the league. When I saw his smiling mug on the NFL Network, it brought back many a 2003 memory. Not sure if he got the starting nod officially yet, but Yates’ head didn’t look so good.
The Bengals are the weakest team, but I think the Broncos are a better match up for us, honestly. I like the Pats’ chances with either, but you know Dalton will still toss for 400 yds/3 TDs en route to a 14- or 21-point Patriot win ;)
Can I Scream?
Thankfully Yates is starting...
He’s bad. Delomme is bad but streaky and could go on an 03 tear with that running game, he also knows the post season. Of course he could fumble 3 times and be picked off 13 more times circa 2008-2009 in carolina. I think it likely that we face the bengals as Houston is hurt and terrible now with all the injuries
by gnatecolby on Jan 4, 2012 12:14 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I watched that 5 (6?) INT game. It was hilarious
by quadruple option on Jan 4, 2012 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
I'm in nc so I did too
Became comedy in the end we wanted more ints by the end, even as panthers fan. Funnier still was his contract extension. 2003-2006 I thought they were the best of the NFC every year, 2003 was the only year they were healthy. Too bad I always wanted a pats cats rematch. That was the best playoffs in NFL history.
by gnatecolby on Jan 4, 2012 12:31 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
One of the things I remember most formthat playoff run was
that the Pats gave up 0 sacks. 0! Not one sack in all the playoffs, and the Panthers had the best pass rush in the league that year, and didn’t get any in the Bowl. Amazing O-line play. Like to see some more of that.
Why do people pick the Packers to win the SB?
Repeats are hard.. since we did it in 2002, I remember hearing that no team has even won a playoff game after winning the SB, much less come close to a repeat. And thats not counting that the Saints, Ravens, maybe Patriots and Steelers are all just flat out better teams. I’m not saying they won’t win the SB, but I’d put my money on someone else.
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Jan 4, 2012 12:40 AM EST reply actions
Well they were 15-1
and though they are a bit banged up right now, they have simply outscored everybody in a pretty impressive fashion. It’s hard to repeat, but they are very good(although they have D questions as the Pats), and Rodgers is playing at such a high level that I don’t have a problem with anyone picking them. I think either the Saints or Niners can give them a good game, but they will also have cold Lambeau in their favor. Also, the Ravens are not that good, especially away from home, Saints are much better at home, and the Steelers with a gimpy-ankled Qb, and no Mendenhall decreases their chances.
Cold Lambeau
benefits the run-and-defense based attack the 49ers run more then anyone else.
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Jan 4, 2012 1:40 AM EST up reply actions
After what happened last year it's hard to pick the Patriots again.
"Fuck this shit. Is this fucking season over yet? It is? Jesus H. motherfucking Christ on a stick! Get Nick Holt on the phone NOW! Stupid motherfucker forces us to score touchdowns on every possession, and we still can't win the Alamo Bowl? Hey, asshole! It's Steve Sarkisian. You're fucking FIRED, you FUCK!"
Stats mean nothing
I don’t see how you can list all those teams as better than the Packers. They beat the Saints and only lost one game all year. And most games they won, it looked easy. I would put the Patriots and Saints at/near their level only because they have the offenses to keep pace. Those matchups would most likely be determined by Special Teams and/or turnovers. If the Steelers were healthy, they might be close.
Until the Packers are beaten – they must be considered favorites as defending champs and having the best record.
On the contrary, stats, momentum, and history are quite important
You can’t just look at a team’s record and say “oh, this team has a better record then the other teams so its going beat the other teams and win the SB.”
Heres what I go by:
Momentum: Packers have it, but not as much as the Saints
Strength of victory: Packers and Saints both have it more then Pats
Schedule: Pats had a far harder schedule then the Packers
History: Saints have the advantage here
Record: Packers, obviously
Defense: Ravens
Pass: Saints, Packers
Run: Broncos, Ravens
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Jan 4, 2012 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
Also
what is going on in the picture for this post?
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Jan 4, 2012 1:43 AM EST reply actions
McCourty banged his knee against a Bills knee
It was the play he got penalized for hitting a defenseless receiver.
K. All I could see was BB
with an odd expression, and a helmet. I thought there might be a player behind that that dude thats sitting on the field, but I couldn’t be sure.
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Jan 4, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Welker and Gronkowski dominating the AFC
1st Welker, Gronk 2nd in catches and yards. And of course Gronk 1st, Welker 2nd (tied) in TDs.
And I think this is where it is should be noted: Mesko led the AFC in net yards (41.5), and was 3rd in the NFL.
Quietly and almost unnoticed one of the weakest points of last decade’s Patriots team (punting) became a strength.
Since 2000 the punting net average:
36.8 38.1 33.3 33.6 33.7 38.3 35.8 33.7 36.1 36.4 34.1
And then came along Mesko: 2010: 38.4, 2011: 41.5: the 2 best punting average during the Belichick era.
And i turned on the stat rat mod, so this were the punting net yard stats between 1991 and 1999:
35.7 35.4 34.8 35.7 35.4 36.0 36.1 35.4 34.6
So under the radar Mesko in the last 2 years gave to the Patriots the 2 best net yard average…of the last 20 years
Good points about Mesko
Maybe that’s why the Pats give up more yards. Their opponents have further to go before kicking a field goal from the 15.
Haha
That’s an excellent point. Who were the first two punters above Mesko?
That just goes to show how absolutely misleading of a stat yardage is. If your special teams were atrocious—and your opponent started at around their 30-50 yard line, or better on average—your yardage yielded would look pretty incredible in comparison, right?
Can I Scream?
2010 draft
Gronk = Best TE in history
Hernando = Best TE the Pats have had in ages, Gronk not included
McCourty = Future shut-down corner, or so it seemed
Mesko = One of the best Punters in the league
Spikes = Best defensive player drafted by the Pats since Mayo
Only Cunningham and Price haven’t looked like elite players at some point, and neither was given a fair chance IMO. Even when they got a chance they were at least average, none of them busts. Thats epic drafting right there.. now why can’t we do it every year?
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Jan 4, 2012 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
The schedule
has an additional advantage since we will play either the Bengals or Pitt if one of them wins as Pitt will be on a short week and traveling back from Denver.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Media requests: Please email patspulpit at gmail.com
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
