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LOCAL LINKS
- Mike Reiss explains why Bill Belichick’s assessment of the young linebackers is critical to the future. The position has been the heartbeat of New England’s championship defenses, and the team hopes the current group can lead another dominant unit.
- Michael Hurley says the NFL stripping a third-round pick from the Patriots for filming the Bengals sideline stings a bit harder, as Belichick faces a steep rebuild challenge in 2021.
- Karen Guregian looks at the Patriots’ five steps to rebuilding, No. 3: The best way to address wide receiver and tight end.
- Andrew Callahan gives us the Patriots No. 2 step to rebuilding: Reload the defensive front.
- Steve Balestrieri (PatsFans) Patriots face a dilemma at QB in 2021; What to do?
- CBS Boston passes along a report that the Patriots are still a ‘long way’ from deciding on Cam Newton.
- Adam London wonders if the team should pursue former Pats QB Jacoby Brissett, who is headed for free agency.
- Ryan Hannable highlights WEEI guest Tedy Bruschi to discuss the next quarterback of the team and why he believes Jimmy Garoppolo makes sense.
- Nick O’Malley notes Jakobi Meyers was named a top-25 WR in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.
- Ryan Hannable looks at whether Jakobi Meyers is a top-25 NFL wide receiver.
- Ryan Hannable reminds us of one positive to take from 2020: Patriots have the top special teams unit in the NFL.
- Andy Hart tells us why Jerod Mayo — 34-years-old with just two years of experience as a mere position coach — actually makes sense for the Eagles.
- Michael Hurley talks about Jack Easterby who is still apparently causing dysfunction within the Texans organization.
- Locked On Patriots podcast: Mike D’Abate and John Sapochetti discuss Patriots 2021 wide receiver outlook. (44 min.)
NATIONAL NEWS
- Rick Gosselin (SI) 2020 NFL special teams rankings: It’s no surprise that New England would again be the NFL special teams king ... and the Patriots were joined in the Top 9 by six playoff teams.
- Albert Breer (SI) NFL Mailbag: Broncos make right hire with George Paton; Fits for more coach and GM openings; Plus, linking veteran QBs to Washington and New England, the return in a Deshaun Watson trade and more.
- Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports) NFL insider notes: Wink Martindale deserves more head coaching buzz, Seahawks could struggle to fill OC; More.
- Joel Corry (CBS Sports) Agent’s Take: Is this the end of Big Ben in Pittsburgh? The QB’s contract spells trouble if he stays or goes.
- Joe Rivera (Sporting News) Playoff schedule 2021: Updated bracket & TV channels for AFC, NFC divisional games.
- Staff (Pro Football Focus) NFL Divisional Round Preview: DFS advice, betting tips and matchups to watch.
- Terez Paylor (Yahoo! Sports) NFL playoffs bring added heat on referees: Mike Pereira walks us through process of when to throw the flag.
- Cynthia Frelund (NFL.com) NFL Divisional Round X-factors: Who could fuel a Super Bowl run?
- Nick Shook (NFL.com) One Next Gen Stat that gives each Divisional Round underdog hope.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) AFC divisional round has youngest group of quarterbacks ever.
- Josh Dubow (AP) Brady vs. Brees is a matchup for the ages, and aged.
- Rob Harvilla (The Ringer) The joy—and confusion—of the Browns kicking ass in the playoffs.
- Sam Monson (Pro Football Focus) It’s time for the San Francisco 49ers to move on from QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) If Ben Roethlisberger keeps playing, the Steelers will need to figure out how to reduce his $41.25 million cap number.
- Sam Monson (Pro Football Focus) One free agent each NFL team should pursue in the 2021 offseason. Patriots: WR Allen Robinson II.
- Staff (Pro Football Focus) 2021 NFL free agent rankings: Defensive linemen and Offensive linemen.
- Ben Linsey (Pro Football Focus) Final 2020 NFL pass-rush rankings.
- Anthony Treash (Pro Football Focus) Final 2020 NFL secondary rankings.
- Charley Casserly (NFL.com) Pros and cons for each remaining NFL head-coaching vacancy.
- Around the NFL (NFL.com) Coaching, GM tracker: Latest news, interviews, developments in 2021 hiring cycle.
- Nancy Armour, et al. (USA Today) Best and worst NFL teams when hiring people of color as GMs and coaches. Patriots listed in “worst” category, even though there has been zero turnover at either position since 2000.
- Danny Heifetz (The Ringer) What’s it like to record your first—or only—career sack against Tom Brady?
- Jenna Laine (ESPN) Tom Brady-Drew Brees ‘History’ meme evolves, gets Frank Caliendo treatment. /Caliendo does a fantastic Morgan Freeman.
- Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) NFL Divisional Round game picks: Ravens edge Bills; Saints ousted by Bucs.
- Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) NFL picks for divisional round: Saints sweep Brady’s Bucs, Bills edge Ravens in thriller.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) PFT’s NFL 2020 divisional round picks.