New England Patriots links 1/15/21 - Divisional round previews; Revisiting the Patriots 2018 draft

TEAM TALK

• Erik Scalavino tells us how 2020’s artificial crowd noise became reality. /Please, may this be a one-and-done.
• Highlight: 15 years ago Thursday, Ben Watson tackles Champ Bailey at 1 yd line after 100 yard interception. (1.36 min. video) /No mention of how it should have been called a touchback.
• Patriots Unfiltered 1/14: The QB quandary, Divisional playoffs picks; More. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

• Doug Kyed writes a great piece on the Patriots’ approach to the 2018 NFL Draft. It worked perfectly for them in the present but didn’t set themselves up for the future, explaining what Bill Belichick meant by “selling out”. /Worth a read.
• Andrew Callahan finishes up the Patriots’ five steps to rebuilding, No. 1: Commit to a quarterback.
• Aidan Curran explains why rebuilding the Patriots will take longer than you think: It may take three to four years for Bill Belichick to make the Patriots relevant.
• Chris Scheim says it’s time to start giving Jakobi Meyers some more respect.
• Phil Perry discusses how Tom Brady and Drew Brees will face off Sunday night in a battle of old timers. One guy could get a step closer to another title shot while the other might be 60 minutes from retirement.
• Ryan Hannable notes Drew Brees has dominated matchups with Tom Brady over the years.
• Doug Kyed explains how the Jets hiring Robert Saleh may signal the Jets could pass on a quarterback, meaning a top QB could fall to the Patriots in the 2021 draft.
• CLNS Media previews each matchup in the Divisional Round this weekend.
• Dakota Randall says the Patriots’ league-high eight opt-outs for the 2020 season reportedly have a good chance to all return in 2021.
• Doug Kyed addresses his Friday Patriots Mailbag: How the WR room will get reshuffled In 2021; Will Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry return?
• Doug Kyed thumbnails four Alabama top prospects who declared for the 2021 draft yesterday, all of whom could fill a need for the Patriots.
• Justin Leger ponders Stephon Gilmore’s tweet that ponders the future: ”2021 will be a interesting year.”
• Locked On Patriots podcast: Mike D’Abate and Clare Cooper talk tight ends, a significant area of need for Patriots heading into the 2021 season. (45 min.)
• Patriots Talk podcast: Tom E. Curran talks with Stephanie Stradley (one of my faves) from the Houston Chronicle about Jack Easterby and the Texans mess. (50 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Michael Rosenberg (SI) How Drew Brees can put Tom Brady’s legacy into perspective.
• Steve Serby (NY Post) Robert Saleh “the anti-Adam Gase” is the right hire for the Jets because he’s a leader of men.
• Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) Dolphins “excited” about the future with Tua Tagovailoa. /Sure, Jan.
• Analysts (NFL.com) NFL bold predictions, Divisional Round: Lamar Jackson tops Josh Allen as rusher and passer.
• Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports) Five bold predictions for NFL divisional round: Tom Brady’s heroics lift Buccaneers, Rams make another QB swap.
• Jonathan Jones (CBS Sports) NFL Insider Notes: What Urban Meyer will do for Jaguars and owner Shad Khan, plus divisional round picks.
• Steve Doerschuk (USA Today) 10 good reasons the Cleveland Browns can beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL playoffs Sunday.
• Nate Davis (USA Today) 22 players who may play final game with current team.
• Staff (USA Today) Jacksonville Jaguars hire former Florida, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer for first NFL job.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Urban Meyer joins list of NFL head coaches with no pro playing or coaching experience.
• Jim Trotter, et al (NFL.com) NFL explained: How legends get into the Hall of Fame.