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

[JotaroJoestar]

Also, since I'm stat happy. The Patriots currently have a +142 +/-, here's where the ranks year over year with #1 next to it.
2018: 4th (+151, Saints)
2017: 5th (+162, Patriots/Eagles)
2016: 2nd (+191, Patriots)
2015: 5th (+192, Panthers)
2014: 2nd (+155, Patriots)
2013: 3rd (+207, Broncos)
2012: 4th (+226, Patriots)
2011: 5th (+208, Saints)
2010: 4th (+205, Patriots)
2009: 5th (+169, Saints)
2008: 1st (+141, Ravens)
2007: 4th (+315, Patriots)
2006: 5th (+189, Chargers)
2005: 3rd (+192, Colts)
2004: 3rd (+171, Patriots)
2003: 2nd (+152, Chiefs)

Takeaway, Patriots would rank no less than 5th the last 16 seasons if they finished +/- 0 the rest of the season.

[Tyler2106]

Rumors have it that we are placing FB Jakob Johnson on IR.

[BuckNakedinBama]

Rumors have it that we are placing FB Jakob Johnson on IR.

Well fukk. He wasn't terribly effective but at least he was a body in there at FB. Maybe this opens the door for Ben Watson to return with LaCosse's injury as well.

[Tyler2106]

Anyone think that the lack of playing time from Bennett is because we're going to trade him? He played 11 snaps Thursday. His snap count has decreased each week this season.

A reliable source has said the Patriots are figuring out how to bring in a WR / TE.

[Tyler2106]

I don't believe one bit of it, BUT rumor has it the Patriots are looking to trade Jonathon Jones + a 5th round pick for Tyler Eifert.

We would be sending one of the leagues best slot CBs and a pick for a good, but always hurt TE. Yeah, I don't think so.

[GarthVader]

I don't believe one bit of it, BUT rumor has it the Patriots are looking to trade Jonathon Jones + a 5th round pick for Tyler Eifert.

We would be sending one of the leagues best slot CBs and a pick for a good, but always hurt TE. Yeah, I don't think so.

I don't like that trade at all.

[BuckNakedinBama]

I don't like that trade at all.

Agreed.

Don't dramatically weaken the defense to marginally improve the offense. Brady can carry us for a while until everyone heals up, and we're 6-0 so we can even drop a game or two and be fine.

[camaleom]

and Kansas lost again today...

who is coming to foxboro during playoff and beat this NE D?

jets, browns, Bengals and dolphins are "easy wins"

going 50-50 on the tough games and we are looking at 13-3 with home field advantage during playoff - I know is early but I don't think we need to go crazy with trades.

If we can bring Wynn and Gotk back I think we will be in good shape.

[Tyler2106]

and Kansas lost again today...

who is coming to foxboro during playoff and beat this NE D?

jets, browns, Bengals and dolphins are "easy wins"

going 50-50 on the tough games and we are looking at 13-3 with home field advantage during playoff - I know is early but I don't think we need to go crazy with trades.

If we can bring Wynn and Gotk back I think we will be in good shape.

We're playing well, but it's never been Belichick's MO to be content with our current roster. He's always trying to improve and we have areas that we need improved so I think we'll figure something out before the deadline.

[camaleom]

I am just saying we don't need another super star to make to SB - I hope we can pick up 1 or 2 players that can help along the way but without losing a PLAYER of Jones caliber. he is playing light out!

[Tyler2106]

I am just saying we don't need another super star to make to SB - I hope we can pick up 1 or 2 players that can help along the way but without losing a PLAYER of Jones caliber. he is playing light out!

I agree. I don't want to lose a stud player for a WR / TE.

[BrickEX]

I don't believe one bit of it, BUT rumor has it the Patriots are looking to trade Jonathon Jones + a 5th round pick for Tyler Eifert.

We would be sending one of the leagues best slot CBs and a pick for a good, but always hurt TE. Yeah, I don't think so.

Not happening. They’re not giving up one of the best slot CBs in the league for an injury plagued TE who only played 14 games in the past 3 seasons.

Of the fantasy GM moves going around for a TE, Austin Hooper or OJ Howard make more sense. That’s not coming at the expense of losing Jones though. You don’t extend a guy with a base pay of 7M just to trade him in less than a year.

[BuckNakedinBama]

I would LOVE for us to get OJ Howard. I love having more Bama guys on the Patriots and he'd be an awesome fit. Was hoping we'd draft him when he came out.

[Tyler2106]

Not happening. They’re not giving up one of the best slot CBs in the league for an injury plagued TE who only played 14 games in the past 3 seasons.

Of the fantasy GM moves going around for a TE, Austin Hooper or OJ Howard make more sense. That’s not coming at the expense of losing Jones though. You don’t extend a guy with a base pay of 7M just to trade him in less than a year.

OJ Howard's contract makes him the perfect play for us if TB is willing to move him. His cap hit would be $3m this year and $3.5m next year. We have nearly that now. He's 25 and a solid player. I imagine with the dumpster fire that is the Buccaneers, maybe we could give a draft pick or two for him.

All I know is Howard is pretty grossly under utilized in TB.

[BlazinWC]

Per Yates, looks like we will be having a reunion with Watson. This could mean LaCosse to IR or bye-bye Izzo since Watson's release was due to lack of a roster spot.

Also, seems Watson wasn't the only TE looked at over this week, BB might still acquire another one via trade.

[Tyler2106]

Per Yates, looks like we will be having a reunion with Watson. This could mean LaCosse to IR or bye-bye Izzo since Watson's release was due to lack of a roster spot.

Also, seems Watson wasn't the only TE looked at over this week, BB might still acquire another one via trade.

They're finalizing the deal. I wonder if because he was cut that we can sign him for a much more team friendly deal or will the terms be the same? If we're signing him, it means LaCosse is going to IR.

Even with this signing, assuming the deal is reworked, I still think we will try and bring in another WR.

Also, N'Keal Harry is eligible to return to practice today. Belichick made it pretty clear that there is no guarantee we activate him to be ready for play week 9. Said he's got to be physically capable of practicing at the level of practice they're currently at. I can't imagine why they wouldn't activate him. He's our 1st round pick and can't be a bust before he's even played a game.

I will say that watching him in the preseason he wasn't impressive. He made great contested catches, but that was largely in part of him not creating any separation between him and the defender.

[Tyler2106]

I'm going to be a little sad if we can't bring back James Develin this season. Sounds like Harry is a sure thing if he gets his chit together and is up to speed by week 9. The other IR returning player would most likely be Isiah Wynn leaving Develin's season done.

[BlazinWC]

They're finalizing the deal. I wonder if because he was cut that we can sign him for a much more team friendly deal or will the terms be the same? If we're signing him, it means LaCosse is going to IR.

Even with this signing, assuming the deal is reworked, I still think we will try and bring in another WR.

Also, N'Keal Harry is eligible to return to practice today. Belichick made it pretty clear that there is no guarantee we activate him to be ready for play week 9. Said he's got to be physically capable of practicing at the level of practice they're currently at. I can't imagine why they wouldn't activate him. He's our 1st round pick and can't be a bust before he's even played a game.

I will say that watching him in the preseason he wasn't impressive. He made great contested catches, but that was largely in part of him not creating any separation between him and the defender.

Agreed, Watson is an upgrade for that group based on familiarity but they will definitely look to bring in more help on the offensive side.

On Harry, I would be shocked if he's not designated to return, he went through OTAs and had some flashes in the pre-season, he would have had to lost a serious step in his game to not be designated to return and help this lackluster offense. You figure given his size, he's a good RZ target and can possibly even be used in the run-block game. I would think it's Harry and Wynn/Develin, my money is on Wynn given the state of our OL .... if I have to watch Newhouse at LT for the rest of this season I might have to purchase a new TV.

[BlazinWC]

LaCosse suffered an MCL sprain against the Giants and is expected to be out a few weeks, nothing about an IR designation so he should be back.

[JotaroJoestar]

I agree. The only CB on the table for the Patriots right now to trade is probably JC Jackson. You're looking a historically great secondary, I wouldn't change a thing defensively. Give up picks, maybe Damien Harris.

[Tyler2106]

LaCosse suffered an MCL sprain against the Giants and is expected to be out a few weeks, nothing about an IR designation so he should be back.

Well, with Watson back and two coming back from IR, they have to make roster space for them somehow. At this point, I don't know who would be on the list for that. I haven't seen anything new come out about Watson's signing.

With Harry back this week, they don't actually have to make a decision until before week 9.

I'll be honest. I don't know what we will do. I feel like with Watson back, we add much needed depth and experience at TE. If we brought back Develin and Wynn we would improve the line and double up on improving the rushing game as well. To me, it just seems like Harry is the most expendable. Belichick is unpredictable. Maybe he trades Harry for a WR and brings back Develin and Wynn. I don't know if that makes sense, so just thinking out loud.

[128]

Well, with Watson back and two coming back from IR, they have to make roster space for them somehow. At this point, I don't know who would be on the list for that. I haven't seen anything new come out about Watson's signing.

With Harry back this week, they don't actually have to make a decision until before week 9.

I'll be honest. I don't know what we will do. I feel like with Watson back, we add much needed depth and experience at TE. If we brought back Develin and Wynn we would improve the line and double up on improving the rushing game as well. To me, it just seems like Harry is the most expendable. Belichick is unpredictable. Maybe he trades Harry for a WR and brings back Develin and Wynn. I don't know if that makes sense, so just thinking out loud.

Watching Edelman without regard for his body, I'd say we can't have too much depth at receiver, especially since the AB thing cost us 2 in himself and DT.

[Tyler2106]

Wild! Michael Bennett suspended by the Patriots for one game for "conduct detrimental." My guess is he isn't happy with his playing time, or lack thereof. Maybe this is the end of Bennett's tenure in New England. Releasing, or trading him, would free up enough money to bring in another WR.

EDIT: Yup
“On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension,” Bennett told ESPN’s Jordan Schultz in a statement. “I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused.”

[BlazinWC]

Wild! Michael Bennett suspended by the Patriots for one game for "conduct detrimental." My guess is he isn't happy with his playing time, or lack thereof. Maybe this is the end of Bennett's tenure in New England. Releasing, or trading him, would free up enough money to bring in another WR.

EDIT: Yup
“On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension,” Bennett told ESPN’s Jordan Schultz in a statement. “I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused.”

Trading him before the deadline would free up ~$3M in cap. Feel bad for the guy, no one expected Collins to be running for DPOY, KVN to become a top pass rusher, Adam Butler breakout and Winovich contributing at his level as a rookie. Doing the guy a disservice with his continued reduced snapcount, i'm betting BB is seeking someone to take on his remaining contract.

[Tyler2106]

Trading him before the deadline would free up ~$3M in cap. Feel bad for the guy, no one expected Collins to be running for DPOY, KVN to become a top pass rusher, Adam Butler breakout and Winovich contributing at his level as a rookie. Doing the guy a disservice with his continued reduced snapcount, i'm betting BB is seeking someone to take on his remaining contract.

Yeah, it's crazy how guys on defense have really stepped up. With Bennett's lack of playing time and now this, I think it's just a matter of time until he's no longer with us.

[Tyler2106]

We released Cody Kessler to make room for Ben Watson and Eric Tomlinson. We placed FB Johnson on IR which freed up the other spot for Tomlinson.

[brighamw]

Wild! Michael Bennett suspended by the Patriots for one game for "conduct detrimental." My guess is he isn't happy with his playing time, or lack thereof. Maybe this is the end of Bennett's tenure in New England. Releasing, or trading him, would free up enough money to bring in another WR.

EDIT: Yup
“On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension,” Bennett told ESPN’s Jordan Schultz in a statement. “I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused.”

Should've never signed his ass, once a Bennett always a Bennett

[Tyler2106]

Should've never signed his ass, once a Bennett always a Bennett

I know you were probably joking, but I did like the signing. If you look at his QB hits / hurries he was top 3 in the league the last few years.

As mentioned before, I think other guys stepped up more than we thought they would and now Bennett's big contract isn't worth carrying anymore. I think he's gone before trade deadline.

[BuckNakedinBama]

Bennett and a 4th to the Bucs for OJ Howard makes a lot of sense.

Hell, with the Falcons defense as trash as it is, I wonder if they'd be interested in him for Hooper.

[camaleom]

Trading him before the deadline would free up ~$3M in cap. Feel bad for the guy, no one expected Collins to be running for DPOY, KVN to become a top pass rusher, Adam Butler breakout and Winovich contributing at his level as a rookie. Doing the guy a disservice with his continued reduced snapcount, i'm betting BB is seeking someone to take on his remaining contract.

I was annoyed when BB trade Collins a few years back

as I said once in this thread: JC is a freak and those type of players don't grow on trees HT is gifted and a great LB but a committed JC can do more than HT (imho and I know this is highly debatable)

update: do u english bro? geeez my english on this post was beyond pathetic lol