***The Official New England Patriots Thread***

[camaleom]

I think we can clearly see that the Pats valued two traits over everything else: athleticism and versatility.

this is BB 101 draft... no fancy name but a lot of guys that can do multiple things.

Let see how this come all together - I still think our O if pretty bad and as of now we are relying on players to make a BIG second year jump and/or Draft kids.

[HoganIsGOAT]

Vegas odds shifted drastically overnight for us to sign Cam Newton.

I hope it’s not true. I’m not a Cam fan at all.

[Tyler2106]

Vegas odds shifted drastically overnight for us to sign Cam Newton.

I hope it’s not true. I’m not a Cam fan at all.

I'm leaning towards agreeing with you on this one, but I wouldn't mind seeing what a healthy Cam can do in a system that won't let him be a diva. The last few years his throws have been terrible, but I think a lot of that is because of his shoulder. Now, he should be healthy and back to his old self. His dual play threat is intriguing in a league that it seems the best QBs are the ones that can scramble and run for extra yards.

[BuckNakedinBama]

As an Alabama alum it's difficult enough for me to deal with Stidham as Patriots QB, but if they sign Cam I'm afraid my ability to be a Patriots fan will end. I HATE that guy.

[Phobaphobia]

Because that worked out real well last year, with better players. Ha!

I agree it wasn't the ideal way to build a team when Brady was here but I think it's the only way now until new QB1 establishes himself.

[ohiostate124]

Lol if they get Cam. They should really try to get Dalton.

[Tyler2106]

Because that worked out real well last year, with better players. Ha!

Our offense most likely isn't going to score a ton of points. How is building as good of a defense as we can not a good idea?

[HoganIsGOAT]

Our offense most likely isn't going to score a ton of points. How is building as good of a defense as we can not a good idea?

Because we’re using the same strategy as last year, which ended in a first round playoff exit - only the difference is we had much better players last season. If this was a strategy based on having an elite defense, fine. However, that is absolutely not where we’re at this season.

[Tyler2106]

Because we’re using the same strategy as last year, which ended in a first round playoff exit - only the difference is we had much better players last season. If this was a strategy based on having an elite defense, fine. However, that is absolutely not where we’re at this season.

When has it ever been Belichick's strategy to load up on offense and not defense? How many Super Bowl appearances and wins does Belichick have?

This draft screamed typical Belichick picks. I for one am excited about the team.

You mention our defense not having as good as players. Who did we lose and not replace that makes you think we'll suck on defense? Seems you're upset and not satisfied with the team because they didn't draft anyone YOU thought would make the team better. Maybe write Belichick and tell him to do better next time.

[HoganIsGOAT]

When has it ever been Belichick's strategy to load up on offense and not defense?

When he had Tom Brady, not too often (although there were brief periods he had Moss, A. Brown, Gordon...etc.). Guess who he doesn’t have now to make a bunch of nobodies better than they actually are on offense? Tom Brady.

How many Super Bowl appearances and wins does Belichick have?

Of course, you already know the answer - how many does he have without Tom Brady? Maybe we should check his record in Cleveland - OH.

You mention our defense not having as good as players. Who did we lose and not replace that makes you think we'll suck on defense?

Hyperbole doesn’t validate your argument. I didn’t say our defense will suck, I said it isn’t as good, and won’t be enough to cover for an already bad offense that will be even worse this season.

Seems you're upset and not satisfied with the team because they didn't draft anyone YOU thought would make the team better. Maybe write Belichick and tell him to do better next time.

Sure, but the draft is only one part of it.

No need to be a slave to your emotions by lashing out at someone who is keeping it real.

[128]

Since 2012, aside from Collins in 2015 I don't think we've drafted a pro bowler, most of our top picks were out of the team/league by time for the 2nd contract. I wonder how that measures up compared to the rest of the league.

I expect a diamond in the rough from every one of our drafts, maybe a standout UDFA but nothing much

[Tyler2106]

When he had Tom Brady, not too often (although there were brief periods he had Moss, A. Brown, Gordon...etc.). Guess who he doesn’t have now to make a bunch of nobodies better than they actually are on offense? Tom Brady.

Of course, you already know the answer - how many does he have without Tom Brady? Maybe we should check his record in Cleveland - OH.

Hyperbole doesn’t validate your argument. I didn’t say our defense will suck, I said it isn’t as good, and won’t be enough to cover for an already bad offense that will be even worse this season.

Sure, but the draft is only one part of it.

No need to be a slave to your emotions by lashing out at someone who is keeping it real.

Wasn't it you who said earlier ITT that mentioned how bad Brady was in the latter half of the season and said anyone would be better than Brady?

Who specifically did we lose on defense and not fill their voids that will make our defense that much worse?

I'm not a slave to my emotions. Your opinions are the same as mine. Only difference is I am not being pessimistic about this coming season. I believe this year will be a tough year for us for many reasons, but it'll be a good growth season for our players. I'm still saying 8-9 wins would be a good season for us. If Stidham can play at a high level, then we can easily be a playoff team.

We aren't flashy on paper, but give guys time to develop, grow and learn the system. Have faith, friend.

[BuckNakedinBama]

Wasn't it you who said earlier ITT that mentioned how bad Brady was in the latter half of the season and said anyone would be better than Brady?

Who specifically did we lose on defense and not fill their voids that will make our defense that much worse?

I'm not a slave to my emotions. Your opinions are the same as mine. Only difference is I am not being pessimistic about this coming season. I believe this year will be a tough year for us for many reasons, but it'll be a good growth season for our players. I'm still saying 8-9 wins would be a good season for us. If Stidham can play at a high level, then we can easily be a playoff team.

We aren't flashy on paper, but give guys time to develop, grow and learn the system. Have faith, friend.

Van Noy and Collins are both big losses. You can't deny that or claim in good conscious that their replacements are superior.

BB the GM is BB the coach's biggest enemy. He outthinks himself on a regular basis. "Oh a stud safety from a top school and top defense is available? Cool, I'll pick someone from D2 just to prove he's "smarter" than every other scout in existence. Sometimes it does work out but so many of his picks end up being busts.

[HoganIsGOAT]

Wasn't it you who said earlier ITT that mentioned how bad Brady was in the latter half of the season and said anyone would be better than Brady?

Absolutely not.

[HoganIsGOAT]

Van Noy and Collins are both big losses. You can't deny that or claim in good conscious that their replacements are superior.

Yep.

BB the GM is BB the coach's biggest enemy. He outthinks himself on a regular basis. "Oh a stud safety from a top school and top defense is available? Cool, I'll pick someone from D2 just to prove he's "smarter" than every other scout in existence. Sometimes it does work out but so many of his picks end up being busts.

Yep.

[128]

Van Noy and Collins are both big losses. You can't deny that or claim in good conscious that their replacements are superior.

BB the GM is BB the coach's biggest enemy. He outthinks himself on a regular basis. "Oh a stud safety from a top school and top defense is available? Cool, I'll pick someone from D2 just to prove he's "smarter" than every other scout in existence. Sometimes it does work out but so many of his picks end up being busts.

Yeah our drafts are usually average if not terrible, wouldn't be surprised if we're one of the worst drafting teams this decade all things considered...

but Belichick the GM really shines in solid FA/UDFA pickups and trades. Nobody's praising him as a drafter anymore but acquired misused talents like Van Noy and making them impactful on a SB team is what Belichick does best.

[BuckNakedinBama]

Yeah our drafts are usually average if not terrible, wouldn't be surprised if we're one of the worst drafting teams this decade all things considered...

but Belichick the GM really shines in solid FA/UDFA pickups and trades. Nobody's praising him as a drafter anymore but acquired misused talents like Van Noy and making them impactful on a SB team is what Belichick does best.

Agreed. I should've been more specific with my remarks and related them to only the draft.

[Tyler2106]

Van Noy and Collins are both big losses. You can't deny that or claim in good conscious that their replacements are superior.

BB the GM is BB the coach's biggest enemy. He outthinks himself on a regular basis. "Oh a stud safety from a top school and top defense is available? Cool, I'll pick someone from D2 just to prove he's "smarter" than every other scout in existence. Sometimes it does work out but so many of his picks end up being busts.

First off, I never claimed that their replacements were better, or "superior" in any of my messages. Let's get that right.

Look at our history when we lose "big name" players. It's the next man up mentality. KVN was a product of the system. He was a top prospect in his draft, yet was a bust in Detroit and was traded to the Patriots for a 6th round pick. Collins is a tough loss, but we have no idea if their replacements are better, the same or worse than them. Winovich stepped up is his rookie season and should continue to develop. Uche and Jennings have good promise. Ya'll are just seeing "big name" players leaving and panicking.

And this whole Belichick doubting based on his draft picks is humorous. I mean, we don't know any of these players or the team like they do, so questioning why he took a D2 player over a "stud" safety shouldn't be something we question.

This discussion is one we won't agree on and you could be right. These picks could be busts, but they also could work out like Bill hopes. Give it time and hope for the best. This happens every draft and off season, yet Belichick is the best coach to ever do this.

[Tyler2106]

We've sign a number of interesting UDFA. A RB, who they're comparing to Dion Lewis, is 5'5" and 185lbs lol

"He averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his college career, picking up 3,263 yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 62 catches, 487 yards and two more receiving touchdowns in four years. He also returned 41 kicks for 988 yards with a touchdown."

Productive back especially at his size and a versatile player, something we all know the Patriots like. They're comparing him to Dion Lewis because of their size and combine stats are almost identical.

Also, signed a 5'9" 170lb speedster. Not Tyreek Hill fast, but he's a big deep threat type player.

Double also, since we have had a history of hidden UDFA CB gems, we signed a slot CB. Small guy again at 5'8", 183lbs, but his short shuttle and 3 cone drill times were impressive and should be good for covering slot guys.

If we could get lucky and find another hidden gem at CB we'll have a great passing defense. Gilmore + Jackson + shutdown slot CB...hnnnnggggg

[HoganIsGOAT]

we've sign a number of interesting udfa.

A rb, who they're comparing to dion lewis, is 5'5" and 185lbs

also, signed a 5'9" 170lb speedster.

We signed a slot cb. Small guy again at 5'8", 183lbs,

lol!

[devin45k]

Lol if they get Cam. They should really try to get Dalton.

I actually do think that would be a better temporary fit.

I do think Newton is more talented but I don't think his ego is a fit with Belichek

[Tyler2106]

I hope we sign Dalton. I've been reading a lot of "fans" are against bringing him in because they don't think Dalton is good, but I disagree. The Bengals have consistently been plagued with injuries and their defense has never made a stop in a meaningful game.

Dalton isn't going to make us contenders, but I think he brings more to the position than Stidham at this point. Plus, another year for Stidham to learn behind an experienced vet would be good for him long term.

We have so little cap space that I don't know how we could bring him in. I say we trade Thuney for Green and Dalton

EDIT: Just read this from Skip Bayless. I tend to avoid all stupid things he says, but I think there might be some truth to this one:

“Bill Belichick wants to do nothing conventional. He does not want to be predictable. He doesn’t want to go with the flow and do what everybody expects every other coach to do, which would be, ‘Oh, you just released Andy Dalton? We’ll take him.’ That seems too easy to me,” Bayless said. “It seems too predictable, too cut and dried, so my gut, gut feeling is — right here, right now — they will not sign Andy Dalton.

“I believe that Belichick wants to prove to the world that he has his next Tom Brady via down in the draft. Obviously, Jarrett Stidham was a fourth-round pick as opposed to Brady being a sixth-round pick, but it’s Brady-esque to say, ‘I’ll take him down in the fourth round and I’ll show you I’ve got a keeper, I’ve got a winner, I’ve got a future Pro Bowler here.’ ”

[HoganIsGOAT]

He isn’t. At all. And they don’t have the cap space either.

The starting QB is going to be Stidham or Hoyer. Pats fans might as well swallow that horse pill now.

Keep swallowing.

[Tyler2106]

Keep swallowing.

Season hasn't even started and you're already puffing your chest out like you right.

[Tyler2106]

Yikes. First four games are against, and in no particular order, Seattle, Cardinals, Rams and 49ers.

Honestly, 2-2 and I'm very happy. Cardinals look like they could be a really tough team this season, so 1-3 is more likely.

That being said, I've been seeing a lot of articles about how Stidham is going to be the man and how much the Patriots like him. I hope they're right.

[camaleom]

as I said before - we are going to be in trouble team wise if we struggle early in the season 0-4 or 1-3... This kicking Tom out the door still doesn't feel right with most fans.

Tom, Gronk, Andrew, a couple of young TEs and New receivers and this team would be in the hunt (legit hunt no like last year).

[Tyler2106]

FKN rumors are stupid. Schedule with my W/L record

Week 1 Dolphins - W
2 @Seahawks - L
3 Raiders - W
4 @Chiefs - L
5 Broncos - W
7 49ers - L
8 @Bills - L
9 @Jets - W
10 Ravens - W
11 @Texans - L
12 Cardinals - W
13 @Chargers - W
14 @Rams - L
15 @Dolphins - W
16 Bills - W
17 Jets - W

10 - 6 would be a great season IMO. I have us beating the Ravens because I think we will beat someone we aren't supposed to and we really should have beat them last year. I thought it might be the 49ers since we'd be coming off a bye week and at home, but I don't think we will.

[HoganIsGOAT]

FKN rumors are stupid. Schedule with my W/L record

Week 1 Dolphins - W
2 @Seahawks - L
3 Raiders - W
4 @Chiefs - L
5 Broncos - W
7 49ers - L
8 @Bills - L
9 @Jets - W
10 Ravens - W
11 @Texans - L
12 Cardinals - W
13 @Chargers - W
14 @Rams - L
15 @Dolphins - W
16 Bills - W
17 Jets - W

10 - 6 would be a great season IMO. I have us beating the Ravens because I think we will beat someone we aren't supposed to and we really should have beat them last year. I thought it might be the 49ers since we'd be coming off a bye week and at home, but I don't think we will.

10-6 is just plain delusional, based on both the players and schedule.

[Tyler2106]

10-6 is just plain delusional, based on both the players and schedule.

You're like a broken record. Cry all you want, but our team isn't any worse than our 12-4 team from last year.

You haven't seen Stidham start an NFL game. You have no idea how our much of an impact our newly drafted TEs will make. You have no idea how much progress Harry and Meyers have made. You have no idea how our LB replacements will do. There are so many question marks that your constant negativity is getting fkn annoying.

[camaleom]

Really hard to predict how we are going to do without seeing in action what we have.

I feel this team is worst than last year's team tho

It will be great if we go 2-2 during the first 4 games but I can also see a 0-4 or 1-4 beating only The Raiders.