Indefinite New England Patriots Thread (5 Viewers)

[RenegadeRoy]

I was watching some Polk highlights last night and he does remind me of Puka. One thing I also noticed was Penix doesn't seem to have the greatest accuracy, and Polk managed to catch a lot of badly thrown balls. I think if he and Maye continue to develop and gel, that could be a great combo.

 

[Lansdowne]

I was curious as to where 1,000-yard receivers come from (sort of a birds and the bees of football). Just pulled this out quickly without a lot of thought, so obviously not an in-depth analysis. Over the past 5 seasons . . .

- There were 112 total 1,000-yard receiving seasons by WRs.
- There were 53 different players that had at least one 1,000-yard season.
- Of those 53 players, 19 were 1st round picks, 15 were 2nd, 10 were 3rd, 1 was a 4th, 5 were 5th, 1 was a 7th, and 2 were by UDFAs.
- Of those 112 total seasons, 47 were by 1st round picks, 26 by 2nd, 22 by 3rd, 2 by 4th, 12 by 5th, 1 by 7th, and 2 by UDFAs.
- Approximately two-thirds of those seasons came from 1st or 2nd round picks.

I am sure there is a lot more to sift through, but at a certain point where a guy was drafted doesn't really matter and it's his production that counts. Would also have to see how some of these guys matched up with QBs. I doubt that will add any perspective to whether QBs make the WRs or vice versa, though.

Thanks for sharing this. Reinforces that draft capital still matters, though it's interesting to see 5th rounders hit more than 4th rounders. Hoping Javon Baker can buck that trend.

 

[Boston]

I hope we really don’t have to evaluate Maye at all this season. I don’t want to see him play. If they want to get him some experience in the last game or two, fine but I hope they dont put him in games where they are relying on him. I’d like to see another offseason to build the line and get that #1 WR before he’s thrown into real game action. He’s super young and I’d love to see them work on his game off the field for a year.

Hard disagree. Sitting and observing as opposed to playing and learning doesn't seem to have any noticeable impact on rookies IMO. I agree, maybe pump the brakes on tossing him out there for a couple weeks but he needs to play this year.

I think you play him once you think he is ready, and you are not throwing him to the wolves (i.e. in a spot where you could hurt his development)...that could be week 1 or week 14...we can speculate all we want but we won't know when until he starts playing with the big boys in camp/practice...last year pretty much everyone thought ARich was a project that was going to need a good amount of seasoning but he showed up to camp, won the job and looked good...I don't think many people saw that coming...no two situations are the same and it is up to Mayo/Van Pelt and company not to screw this up.

 

[Boston]

Devin McCourty explains why he liked Patriots drafting WR Ja'Lynn Polk

On a new Patriots Talk Podcast episode, Devin McCoruty explains how Ja’Lynn Polk could make a strong impact on and off the field as a rookie.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

 

[Boston]

Phil Perry does a great job...seems to becoming more of a presence on the radio as well...here is his very early 53 man roster:

Perry's 53-man roster projection: Pats make tough decisions at WR, QB

The Patriots’ 2024 draft class could push out some notable names at key positions. Phil Perry shares his first 53-man roster projection for Week 1.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

 

[pollardsvision]

Ya'll ain't gotta worry about this young man being phased being on an undermanned team (we don't know that about any of the other 1st round QB's). Turned down Alabama twice to go play for his home state.
I don't know where this kid will go, but he's a competitor that you're going to love.

2022 he comes in. Turns 20 right as the season starts. He's following a legend. I know that sounds ridiculous talking to fans where the GOAT played. But for UNC, Sammy is a legend (and now that he's out of the Washington stink, we might see it translate better to the NFL).

But anyway, he's 20 following a legend. Undermanned outside of Josh Downs (and Antoine Greene was solid). Drake comes in like gangbusters. He put up the numbers, sure, as a kid.

But it's the set of balls on this kid. No he doesn't have the alpha dog personality. He doesn't talk like an alpha, just acts like one. Letting it rip all over the field to Downs and Greene. 3rd and 8 and he's gotta run for it. Done. Yeah, he's gonna do some stupid **** when it comes to running. Totally got the Josh Allen part to him.

Downs and Greene gone after his 1st year. I still can't believe he's being ripped and compared to people 4 years older that had 2-3 WR's drafted on the first 2 days, but I digress.

Tez Walker coming to play in '23 with Drake but NCAA effs Tez for reasons we'll never know. It wasn't a great year.

His disaster year on a a completely undermanned team when he was still the youngest QB in the conference was 3600-24-9, plus 9 rushing TD's.

I've had a few cold pops. I love this kid. Everybody else in this class went where there were multiple first round picks and day 2-3 picks. This kid chose a tough situation because he's loyal to his family and home state.

And he's a damn baller that's going to lay it all on the line.

Sorry for the drunken rant, but congrats Pats. You get to go on a wonderful ride with this great kid.

 

[kyoun1e]

Ya'll ain't gotta worry about this young man being phased being on an undermanned team (we don't know that about any of the other 1st round QB's). Turned down Alabama twice to go play for his home state.
I don't know where this kid will go, but he's a competitor that you're going to love.

2022 he comes in. Turns 20 right as the season starts. He's following a legend. I know that sounds ridiculous talking to fans where the GOAT played. But for UNC, Sammy is a legend (and now that he's out of the Washington stink, we might see it translate better to the NFL).

But anyway, he's 20 following a legend. Undermanned outside of Josh Downs (and Antoine Greene was solid). Drake comes in like gangbusters. He put up the numbers, sure, as a kid.

But it's the set of balls on this kid. No he doesn't have the alpha dog personality. He doesn't talk like an alpha, just acts like one. Letting it rip all over the field to Downs and Greene. 3rd and 8 and he's gotta run for it. Done. Yeah, he's gonna do some stupid **** when it comes to running. Totally got the Josh Allen part to him.

Downs and Greene gone after his 1st year. I still can't believe he's being ripped and compared to people 4 years older that had 2-3 WR's drafted on the first 2 days, but I digress.

Tez Walker coming to play in '23 with Drake but NCAA effs Tez for reasons we'll never know. It wasn't a great year.

His disaster year on a a completely undermanned team when he was still the youngest QB in the conference was 3600-24-9, plus 9 rushing TD's.

I've had a few cold pops. I love this kid. Everybody else in this class went where there were multiple first round picks and day 2-3 picks. This kid chose a tough situation because he's loyal to his family and home state.

And he's a damn baller that's going to lay it all on the line.

Sorry for the drunken rant, but congrats Pats. You get to go on a wonderful ride with this great kid.

Love it!

Must say, based on the interviews I've seen, I like his personality. Has some good fire. Good fit for NE.

On the flip side, I cringed every time I heard C. Williams speak during the draft. Weird vibe comes from that dude.

 

[Anarchy99]

I was curious as to where 1,000-yard receivers come from (sort of a birds and the bees of football). Just pulled this out quickly without a lot of thought, so obviously not an in-depth analysis. Over the past 5 seasons . . .

- There were 112 total 1,000-yard receiving seasons by WRs.
- There were 53 different players that had at least one 1,000-yard season.
- Of those 53 players, 19 were 1st round picks, 15 were 2nd, 10 were 3rd, 1 was a 4th, 5 were 5th, 1 was a 7th, and 2 were by UDFAs.
- Of those 112 total seasons, 47 were by 1st round picks, 26 by 2nd, 22 by 3rd, 2 by 4th, 12 by 5th, 1 by 7th, and 2 by UDFAs.
- Approximately two-thirds of those seasons came from 1st or 2nd round picks.

I am sure there is a lot more to sift through, but at a certain point where a guy was drafted doesn't really matter and it's his production that counts. Would also have to see how some of these guys matched up with QBs. I doubt that will add any perspective to whether QBs make the WRs or vice versa, though.

Breakdown of the 112 seasons based on which order each player was taken in his draft class (ie, 4th WR taken regardless of draft spot).

01 - 12
02 - 18
03 - 11
04 - 6
05 - 6
06 - 3
07 - 5
08 - 6
09 - 8
10 - 5
11 - 7
12 - 6
13 - 0
14 - 1
15 - 1
16+ 17

Top 5 selection: 53 (47.3%)
Top 10 selection: 80 (71.4%)
Not Top 10 Selection: 32 (28.6%)

To be clear, this is just a breakdown, and every player moving forward does not have to apply to any prior distribution patterns . . .

Current Patriots Receivers and Spot Selected:

Kendrick Bourne - 33
DeMario Douglas - 27
Ja'Lynn Polk - 10
K.J. Osborn - 27
JuJu Smith-Schuster - 6
Javon Baker - 18
Tyquan Thornton - 10
Jalen Reagor - 4
Kayshon Boutte - 22
T.J. Luther - 33
Kawaan Baker - 33

Interestingly enough, the 3 guys that were picked the earliest who have already played have realistically little chance to become big contributors (Reagor, JJSS, and Thornton).

 

[Boston]

David Andrews, Patriots agree to extension through 2025 season

Longtime Patriots center David Andrews is set to play at least two more seasons in New England.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[Boston]

Perry's Notes: Dissecting what we saw from Drake Maye on Day 1 of OTAs

What happened on Day 1 of Patriots OTAs? Phil Perry checks in with a Drake Maye update and more in his notebook.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

 

[Boston]

Report: Cole Strange is expected to miss start of regular season with knee injury

The Patriots are breaking in a new left tackle this offseason and it looks like they may be in need of a new left guard as well.

www.nbcsports.com

Hopefully someone steps up and takes advantage of this opportunity...the Cole Strange era has been an interesting one...many thought it was a stretch when they took him with a #1 and that appears to be the case.

 

[kyoun1e]

Report: Cole Strange is expected to miss start of regular season with knee injury

The Patriots are breaking in a new left tackle this offseason and it looks like they may be in need of a new left guard as well.

www.nbcsports.com

Hopefully someone steps up and takes advantage of this opportunity...the Cole Strange era has been an interesting one...many thought it was a stretch when they took him with a #1 and that appears to be the case.

That article points out a couple of decent FAs that are still hanging out in the breeze.

Don't understand what the hell they are waiting for.

 

[Boston]

Rhamondre Stevenson says contract extension is "pretty close"

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said Monday he was hopeful of the team getting a contract extension completed with running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[Boston]

Not a lot of info but posting it because White is a player I think has a ton of upside, so it is good to hear he is heading in the right direction.

Jerod Mayo: Keion White is stepping forward as a leader in New England

As a second-round rookie last season, Patriots pass rusher Keion White was primarily a backup, starting only four games and playing a little less than half of the team's defensive snaps.

www.nbcsports.com

On the flipside, not hearing good things about Mapu...sounds like he is kind of position-less.

 

[Anarchy99]

With the Rhamondre extension, the Pats have now committed $318 million to bringing back 8 players from last year's squad that won 4 games (who knows how much of that they will actually have to pay out). Other than Barmore, I'm not sure the guys they extended were true difference makers.

IMO, not much has changed in the past couple of months. Draft Maye and hope he develops into something and pray that the rest of the guys they drafted pan out. IMO, the OL is worse than last season, the WR group is raw and unproven, and the coaching staff will be learning under duress and by trial by fire. DraftKings has lowered NE's over/under win total to 3.5 wins. They have the lowest projected win total for most major sports books (even CAR surpassed them at 5.5 . . . some places have the Panthers at 7.5). I expect that we will hear more feel good stories in camp and talk of guys catching a lot of passes in shorts and shells, but once the bullets go live reality will set in.

As far as Stevenson goes, NE has seen their RB production drop from:

2021: 2641 YFS, 26 total TD, 4.5 ypc
2022: 2231 YFS, 11 total TD, 4.7 ypc
2023: 1984 YFS, 10 total TD, 3.7 ypc

They've been trending in the wrong direction. With the OL they have and a lot of inexperienced players on offense, Again, hard to really form an opinion when we really haven't seen the offense in action yet. But at least for now, I would expect more of the same this year.

 

[greenmountaingoat]

it’s going to be a long season.. I always want them to win when I’m watching but I’m more or less convinced 2025 1.01 is their best long term option

 

[Boston]

it’s going to be a long season.. I always want them to win when I’m watching but I’m more or less convinced 2025 1.01 is their best long term option

I don't see a path to a good record...besides the roster they have a tough schedule...if Maye looks like a franchise QB (by far the most important thing), Mayo looks like he can coach and the 2024 draft looks promising I will be totally fine...would like to have seen a little more action in free agency but overall there wasn't much they could do this offseason that would have a big effect on 2024's record.

 

[Lansdowne]

With the Rhamondre extension, the Pats have now committed $318 million to bringing back 8 players from last year's squad that won 4 games (who knows how much of that they will actually have to pay out). Other than Barmore, I'm not sure the guys they extended were true difference makers.

IMO, not much has changed in the past couple of months. Draft Maye and hope he develops into something and pray that the rest of the guys they drafted pan out. IMO, the OL is worse than last season, the WR group is raw and unproven, and the coaching staff will be learning under duress and by trial by fire. DraftKings has lowered NE's over/under win total to 3.5 wins. They have the lowest projected win total for most major sports books (even CAR surpassed them at 5.5 . . . some places have the Panthers at 7.5). I expect that we will hear more feel good stories in camp and talk of guys catching a lot of passes in shorts and shells, but once the bullets go live reality will set in.

As far as Stevenson goes, NE has seen their RB production drop from:

2021: 2641 YFS, 26 total TD, 4.5 ypc
2022: 2231 YFS, 11 total TD, 4.7 ypc
2023: 1984 YFS, 10 total TD, 3.7 ypc

They've been trending in the wrong direction. With the OL they have and a lot of inexperienced players on offense, Again, hard to really form an opinion when we really haven't seen the offense in action yet. But at least for now, I would expect more of the same this year.

I think it’s unfair to label those re-signed players as if they were the problem. Onwenu was their best remaining offensive lineman, they had to bring him back. Extending Stevenson was a smart move as that gives stability to an offense in desperate need of it. The one I was hesitant on was Dugger as I don’t think he’s anything more than league average and not a big time play maker. But there needed to be some familiar faces returning as the team transitions, it can’t all just be rookies.

This team is going to lose a lot this year, and the sooner we as fans make peace with that, the better for our psyche. The development of this team’s draft picks over the next few years is what’s going to shape the future of the franchise. Hopefully Maye hits, and that they continue to try building around him. And hopefully the OC carousel can stop for a while with Van Pelt.

 

[Boston]

With the Rhamondre extension, the Pats have now committed $318 million to bringing back 8 players from last year's squad that won 4 games (who knows how much of that they will actually have to pay out). Other than Barmore, I'm not sure the guys they extended were true difference makers.

IMO, not much has changed in the past couple of months. Draft Maye and hope he develops into something and pray that the rest of the guys they drafted pan out. IMO, the OL is worse than last season, the WR group is raw and unproven, and the coaching staff will be learning under duress and by trial by fire. DraftKings has lowered NE's over/under win total to 3.5 wins. They have the lowest projected win total for most major sports books (even CAR surpassed them at 5.5 . . . some places have the Panthers at 7.5). I expect that we will hear more feel good stories in camp and talk of guys catching a lot of passes in shorts and shells, but once the bullets go live reality will set in.

As far as Stevenson goes, NE has seen their RB production drop from:

2021: 2641 YFS, 26 total TD, 4.5 ypc
2022: 2231 YFS, 11 total TD, 4.7 ypc
2023: 1984 YFS, 10 total TD, 3.7 ypc

They've been trending in the wrong direction. With the OL they have and a lot of inexperienced players on offense, Again, hard to really form an opinion when we really haven't seen the offense in action yet. But at least for now, I would expect more of the same this year.

I think it’s unfair to label those re-signed players as if they were the problem. Onwenu was their best remaining offensive lineman, they had to bring him back. Extending Stevenson was a smart move as that gives stability to an offense in desperate need of it. The one I was hesitant on was Dugger as I don’t think he’s anything more than league average and not a big time play maker. But there needed to be some familiar faces returning as the team transitions, it can’t all just be rookies.

This team is going to lose a lot this year, and the sooner we as fans make peace with that, the better for our psyche. The development of this team’s draft picks over the next few years is what’s going to shape the future of the franchise. Hopefully Maye hits, and that they continue to try building around him. And hopefully the OC carousel can stop for a while with Van Pelt.

Agreed...the Pats already have enough holes with the resigned players...can you imagine how bad it would be without them...cap space is not an issue right now...nothing they did this offseason will have a negative effect on what they can do in the future.

 

[ratbast]

If they pull off a miracle with the oline and 2 WRs achieve their ceiling….ughh.

 

[RenegadeRoy]

I am beginning to come around on the lack of offseason moves. What's the point in signing a big free agent offensive piece if Maye or Mayo fizzle? A lot easier to attract talent next year if the team trajectory is looking up. Plus the AFC East is strong right now. No reason to try and keep up when you can lay low and rebuild.

Maybe I'm just coping lol

 

[greenmountaingoat]

Bedard's latest article is about the OL-- and to the surprise of few (nobody??) he's "very concerned." Leaving *some* hope that some guys step up but the overall tone is fairly depressing.

Owenu maybe did zero to prep for the move to RT and so had to be moved back to G, also the other Guards stink.
Okorafor at LT - there's some optimism that it might work but given that he was cut by the Steelers, the optimism seems a bit premature.
Wallace at RT seems like that's where he's going to have to be to get him on the field.
Sow is meh, OK at LG.

Also noted-
OL coach Scott Peters is bit of an unknown but was passed up by the Browns, though he was their assistant OL coach the past 3 years.
Other front office staff around the league sees the personnel as not being a good fit for a zone running team due to overall size and lack of athleticism.

 

[Boston]

Bedard's latest article is about the OL-- and to the surprise of few (nobody??) he's "very concerned." Leaving *some* hope that some guys step up but the overall tone is fairly depressing.

Owenu maybe did zero to prep for the move to RT and so had to be moved back to G, also the other Guards stink.
Okorafor at LT - there's some optimism that it might work but given that he was cut by the Steelers, the optimism seems a bit premature.
Wallace at RT seems like that's where he's going to have to be to get him on the field.
Sow is meh, OK at LG.

Also noted-
OL coach Scott Peters is bit of an unknown but was passed up by the Browns, though he was their assistant OL coach the past 3 years.
Other front office staff around the league sees the personnel as not being a good fit for a zone running team due to overall size and lack of athleticism.

Read the article (Bedard loves his O-line talk and does a very good job with it) and it is definitely cause for concern and I don't think anyone who pays attention to this team is surprised...big picture this team lost its O-line magic when Dante retired...he was as good as there ever was and could pretty much work miracles...unfortunately BB didn't seem to think things would change when he retired (similar to the O with Brady) and here we are...this was an area they really needed to invest more into during free agency because they didn't have enough draft assets and with the holes at QB and WR there was only so much that could be accomplished in the draft...having a third rounder turn into your starting LT is probably a reach and I think they should be very pleased if Wallace turns into a quality starting RT...if Robinson turns into a starting G or at least a high-end backup that would be a very nice addition...I think they need to move on from Strange who was a foolish pick from the get-go...the real concern with Bedard's article is Mike O...with Andrews nearing the end it appeared he was kind of an anchor going forward and he was definitely paid as such...whether it is at G or T he needs to be top-of-the-line or a unit that already needs work will take another step backwards...that part of Bedard's article is very alarming...as for LT it is what it is at this point...if they can get average play out of Okorafor I think they will be pleased because unless something surprising happens I don't see this position being upgraded until next offseason with either a high #1 or high-end FA...they should have never gone as long with Trent Brown as long they did...you just can't rely on him and that was pretty obvious...right now it is fingers crossed that between Wallace, Robinson, Sow and maybe Jake Andrews and Mafi they get at least two quality starters for the future and attack this unit in a big way next offseason.

 

[Anarchy99]

Pats' Barmore out indefinitely due to blood clots

Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was treated for blood clots over the weekend, and there is no timetable for his return, the team announced Sunday.

www.espn.com

 

[JoeSteeler]

Pats' Barmore out indefinitely due to blood clots

Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was treated for blood clots over the weekend, and there is no timetable for his return, the team announced Sunday.

www.espn.com

Hope he recovers ok! Have always been a big fan of his.

 

[Gally]

Pats' Barmore out indefinitely due to blood clots

Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was treated for blood clots over the weekend, and there is no timetable for his return, the team announced Sunday.

www.espn.com

Hope he recovers ok! Have always been a big fan of his.

Any update on this? Just wondering if I need to start looking for another DT or if this was one of those things they caught early enough that it's no big deal and just a cautionary thing at this time. Hoping for the best for him. I like his game a lot.

 

[Anarchy99]

Do you all think we trade Mallet? And if so what would be the realistic draft pick we could get that would make it worthwhile. I'm thinking it would take a 2nd rounder.

Assuming recency bias takes hold, people will look at Richardson for a first and say its too risky to trade much for Mallet.

Assuming desperation kicks in for just one GM, a first rounder, even a high one.

There won’t be a definitive answer out there, but former NE OT Antonio Garcia and current C David Andrews both had blood clot issues and missed full seasons. The talk in these parts is the usual course of treatment is six months of blood thinners, and players will sit for that. Who knows if his medical condition falls in line with that.

 

[brun]

Do you all think we trade Mallet? And if so what would be the realistic draft pick we could get that would make it worthwhile. I'm thinking it would take a 2nd rounder.

Assuming recency bias takes hold, people will look at Richardson for a first and say its too risky to trade much for Mallet.

Assuming desperation kicks in for just one GM, a first rounder, even a high one.

There won’t be a definitive answer out there, but former NE OT Antonio Garcia and current C David Andrews both had blood clot issues and missed full seasons. The talk in these parts is the usual course of treatment is six months of blood thinners, and players will sit for that. Who knows if his medical condition falls in line with that.

Regardless of his playing status I hope he has a swift and complete recovery.

 

[kyoun1e]

Hard to believe Aiyuk could be had here.

If he comes to NE, he's clearly in it for the money (although who isn't). They already tried to throw money at Ridley so this could be very real.

Just not sure this makes sense at this time. This team is going to be horrible. I'd think maybe we take our lumps this year, see how the likes of Baker/Pop/Polk do, and then if you have some kind of positive momentum heading into next year, make a bigger splash.

 

[Joe Bryant]

x.com

x.com

Good man:

Jerod Mayo opens his Tuesday presser amidst Brandon Aiyuk rumors:“One thing I learned from Bill: I don’t talk about players on other teams.”

 

[Boston]

Hard to believe Aiyuk could be had here.

If he comes to NE, he's clearly in it for the money (although who isn't). They already tried to throw money at Ridley so this could be very real.

Just not sure this makes sense at this time. This team is going to be horrible. I'd think maybe we take our lumps this year, see how the likes of Baker/Pop/Polk do, and then if you have some kind of positive momentum heading into next year, make a bigger splash.

While I understand this big picture sometimes it’s about who’s available and who actually wants to play here…also, what exactly would be a bigger splash than getting Aiyuk?

 

[Lansdowne]

Hard to believe Aiyuk could be had here.

If he comes to NE, he's clearly in it for the money (although who isn't). They already tried to throw money at Ridley so this could be very real.

Just not sure this makes sense at this time. This team is going to be horrible. I'd think maybe we take our lumps this year, see how the likes of Baker/Pop/Polk do, and then if you have some kind of positive momentum heading into next year, make a bigger splash.

I don't fault Mayo and company for being more aggressive in their pursuit of a WR1. They missed out on Julio Jones (fortunately), then missed out on DeAndre Hopkins, and most recently Calvin Ridley. NE has to overpay if they want a legit WR as it has never been a favored destination for free agents.

Aiyuk IMO is an elite WR (I'd say top 10) if we're talking about not just route running and catch but also as a blocker. He does it all at a high level.

 

[kyoun1e]

Hard to believe Aiyuk could be had here.

If he comes to NE, he's clearly in it for the money (although who isn't). They already tried to throw money at Ridley so this could be very real.

Just not sure this makes sense at this time. This team is going to be horrible. I'd think maybe we take our lumps this year, see how the likes of Baker/Pop/Polk do, and then if you have some kind of positive momentum heading into next year, make a bigger splash.

Well so much for that...

 

[Anarchy99]

Pats are finally doing something right. Rapaport is reporting they have released JJSS. Will take a $9.63 million dead cap hit. Remarkable only 27 years old. Seems like he's been around the league a long time already.

 

[kyoun1e]

Pats are finally doing something right. Rapaport is reporting they have released JJSS. Will take a $9.63 million dead cap hit. Remarkable only 27 years old. Seems like he's been around the league a long time already.

Agree.

Now they need to get Maye some more snaps in preseason game 2.

 

[Boston]

Will never understand the thought process behind letting Meyers walk only to be replaced by Juju.

 

[Anarchy99]

Will never understand the thought process behind letting Meyers walk only to be replaced by Juju.

We now know that things didn't work out. But that doesn't mean NE should automatically have just brought back Meyers. They should have updated from Jakobi . . . they just didn't do it. The numbers that were reported at the time turned out to be reported wrong. The original reports were that both JM and JJSS ended up with the same contracts. Meyers ended up getting 3 years, worth $33M with $21M guaranteed. JuJu signed for 3 years, $25.5M with $16M guaranteed. That was in the BB era, and they hoarded their cap space and hard dollars something fierce. I think they also felt they were getting a guy that previously had a great year in PIT and a decent year in KC. What they ended up with was a guy that was still hurt, never got healthy, and lost any ability to separate. Jakobi performed about the same as he did in NE . . . LV just targeted him a little more in the red zone. Yes, Meyers last year would have been a better option than JuJu. But if they had him last year, I am not sure that really would have changed the narrative on how poorly the season went.

 

[kyoun1e]

Will never understand the thought process behind letting Meyers walk only to be replaced by Juju.

Hopefully the WR blind spot isn't so blind anymore.

Polk looked alright last night. Boutte looks like a beast I must say...if he doesn't make the team I'll be aggravated.

Have a bad feeling Baker's going to take a while.

 

[Boston]

Will never understand the thought process behind letting Meyers walk only to be replaced by Juju.

We now know that things didn't work out. But that doesn't mean NE should automatically have just brought back Meyers. They should have updated from Jakobi . . . they just didn't do it. The numbers that were reported at the time turned out to be reported wrong. The original reports were that both JM and JJSS ended up with the same contracts. Meyers ended up getting 3 years, worth $33M with $21M guaranteed. JuJu signed for 3 years, $25.5M with $16M guaranteed. That was in the BB era, and they hoarded their cap space and hard dollars something fierce. I think they also felt they were getting a guy that previously had a great year in PIT and a decent year in KC. What they ended up with was a guy that was still hurt, never got healthy, and lost any ability to separate. Jakobi performed about the same as he did in NE . . . LV just targeted him a little more in the red zone. Yes, Meyers last year would have been a better option than JuJu. But if they had him last year, I am not sure that really would have changed the narrative on how poorly the season went.

I would have had zero issues with letting Meyers go if you upgraded…but you didn’t and it was pretty obvious at the time you were not upgrading…you actually downgraded dramatically and with a QB who was entering a make or break year 3 you did him no favors as you were already thin at WR with Meyers to begin with…one of the issues was Meyers was seen as more on Team Mac than Team Bill and BB’s pettiness played into this decision even though Meyers was homegrown and very well liked by his teammates…losing Meyers and adding Juju by itself was not a make or break move for the Pats but it was one of many foolish personnel moves that contributed to being where they currently are now and everyone but one person knew it was a dumb move at the time.

 

[Anarchy99]

Will never understand the thought process behind letting Meyers walk only to be replaced by Juju.

We now know that things didn't work out. But that doesn't mean NE should automatically have just brought back Meyers. They should have updated from Jakobi . . . they just didn't do it. The numbers that were reported at the time turned out to be reported wrong. The original reports were that both JM and JJSS ended up with the same contracts. Meyers ended up getting 3 years, worth $33M with $21M guaranteed. JuJu signed for 3 years, $25.5M with $16M guaranteed. That was in the BB era, and they hoarded their cap space and hard dollars something fierce. I think they also felt they were getting a guy that previously had a great year in PIT and a decent year in KC. What they ended up with was a guy that was still hurt, never got healthy, and lost any ability to separate. Jakobi performed about the same as he did in NE . . . LV just targeted him a little more in the red zone. Yes, Meyers last year would have been a better option than JuJu. But if they had him last year, I am not sure that really would have changed the narrative on how poorly the season went.

I would have had zero issues with letting Meyers go if you upgraded…but you didn’t and it was pretty obvious at the time you were not upgrading…you actually downgraded dramatically and with a QB who was entering a make or break year 3 you did him no favors as you were already thin at WR with Meyers to begin with…one of the issues was Meyers was seen as more on Team Mac than Team Bill and BB’s pettiness played into this decision even though Meyers was homegrown and very well liked by his teammates…losing Meyers and adding Juju by itself was not a make or break move for the Pats but it was one of many foolish personnel moves that contributed to being where they currently are now and everyone but one person knew it was a dumb move at the time.

This has been hashed and rehashed, but I am not sure the whole universe knew it was a bad move. JuJu and Jakobi are the same age. JJSS had just come off a season where he had more receiving yards than Meyers ever had in a season and just played well in winning the Super Bowl with KC (playing in 19 games that year . . . with 1,000+ yards when including the post season). And he signed for less than Meyers did in LV (both total AAV and guaranteed money). It turned out JujJu had a bum knee. I'm fine if people want to say they liked Meyers and didn't want to see him go. I didn't love the move at the time, and things didn't work out. I am sure Bill didn't love some of the comments Jakobi had made, and I'm guessing BB was still peeved at the lateral he had against the Raiders that cost them the game.

My bigger concern is for a team that was said to have been gutted and devoid of talent and play makers, they've committed nearly $400 million to re-signing or extending guys that were already on the roster. It's unfortunate the best of which (Barmore) probably won't suit up this season and Judon may not get included in all of that. This regime is definitely handling the cap and the roster way differently than BB did (and IMO that's not a good thing). They have essentially tripled down on Maye or bust.

On that front, total career receptions for rostered WR: Bourne - 264, Osborn - 158, Reagor - 79, Douglas - 49, Thornton - 35, Boutte - 2, Polk - 0, Baker - 0. The only thing we can say about that group with any certainty is they don't have a lot of experience. How those guys will do is a complete unknown.

 

[Boston]

Will never understand the thought process behind letting Meyers walk only to be replaced by Juju.

We now know that things didn't work out. But that doesn't mean NE should automatically have just brought back Meyers. They should have updated from Jakobi . . . they just didn't do it. The numbers that were reported at the time turned out to be reported wrong. The original reports were that both JM and JJSS ended up with the same contracts. Meyers ended up getting 3 years, worth $33M with $21M guaranteed. JuJu signed for 3 years, $25.5M with $16M guaranteed. That was in the BB era, and they hoarded their cap space and hard dollars something fierce. I think they also felt they were getting a guy that previously had a great year in PIT and a decent year in KC. What they ended up with was a guy that was still hurt, never got healthy, and lost any ability to separate. Jakobi performed about the same as he did in NE . . . LV just targeted him a little more in the red zone. Yes, Meyers last year would have been a better option than JuJu. But if they had him last year, I am not sure that really would have changed the narrative on how poorly the season went.

I would have had zero issues with letting Meyers go if you upgraded…but you didn’t and it was pretty obvious at the time you were not upgrading…you actually downgraded dramatically and with a QB who was entering a make or break year 3 you did him no favors as you were already thin at WR with Meyers to begin with…one of the issues was Meyers was seen as more on Team Mac than Team Bill and BB’s pettiness played into this decision even though Meyers was homegrown and very well liked by his teammates…losing Meyers and adding Juju by itself was not a make or break move for the Pats but it was one of many foolish personnel moves that contributed to being where they currently are now and everyone but one person knew it was a dumb move at the time.

This has been hashed and rehashed, but I am not sure the whole universe knew it was a bad move. JuJu and Jakobi are the same age. JJSS had just come off a season where he had more receiving yards than Meyers ever had in a season and just played well in winning the Super Bowl with KC (playing in 19 games that year . . . with 1,000+ yards when including the post season). And he signed for less than Meyers did in LV (both total AAV and guaranteed money). It turned out JujJu had a bum knee. I'm fine if people want to say they liked Meyers and didn't want to see him go. I didn't love the move at the time, and things didn't work out. I am sure Bill didn't love some of the comments Jakobi had made, and I'm guessing BB was still peeved at the lateral he had against the Raiders that cost them the game.

My bigger concern is for a team that was said to have been gutted and devoid of talent and play makers, they've committed nearly $400 million to re-signing or extending guys that were already on the roster. It's unfortunate the best of which (Barmore) probably won't suit up this season and Judon may not get included in all of that. This regime is definitely handling the cap and the roster way differently than BB did (and IMO that's not a good thing). They have essentially tripled down on Maye or bust.

On that front, total career receptions for rostered WR: Bourne - 264, Osborn - 158, Reagor - 79, Douglas - 49, Thornton - 35, Boutte - 2, Polk - 0, Baker - 0. The only thing we can say about that group with any certainty is they don't have a lot of experience. How those guys will do is a complete unknown.

If they didn’t resign these guys they would literally have no one on their roster…not sure what plan B would be if they did not go this route because they did not have any extra draft picks and you can only sign so many free agents and right now many aren’t interested in coming here regardless of how much you are willing to pay/overpay them because of the shape they are in…the hole they are in is vast and right now it is simply about being competitive and laying down a foundation…if they were signing most of these guys to long, big $ deals that would not be wise but they aren’t…I may be missing one or two but I don’t think they have signed one deal that will have a negative effect on their ability to spend $ in the future to go after legit free agents or more hopefully resign drafts picks that turn out to be the real deal.

 

[Anarchy99]

Those hoping for a return to top OL play will have to keep hoping for now. Brissett has been taking most of the first team reps, and it sounds like getting the ball snapped properly is a major accomplishment. They were talking about the problem on a couple of radio shows, and it sounded like multiple times each practice someone on the line moves, lines up wrong, jumps offside, or doesn't know the snap count. When someone jumps, they make them run a lap. They've run so many laps that it's impinged on their practice time. Austin Hooper said they have to figure out if they will be a cross-country team or a football team. The rest of the time, live snaps have resulted in a sack about 1 in every 3 plays. I heard Brissett was getting so steamed that they sent Maye in to let Jacoby cool off. Stay tuned for head-to-head practices this week and a Thursday night game against the Eagles. Maye is projected to see a lot more time this game. Maybe they can tell the Philly defensive linemen they can't cross the LOS until they count 5 Mississippi's.

 

[kyoun1e]

Those hoping for a return to top OL play will have to keep hoping for now. Brissett has been taking most of the first team reps, and it sounds like getting the ball snapped properly is a major accomplishment. They were talking about the problem on a couple of radio shows, and it sounded like multiple times each practice someone on the line moves, lines up wrong, jumps offside, or doesn't know the snap count. When someone jumps, they make them run a lap. They've run so many laps that it's impinged on their practice time. Austin Hooper said they have to figure out if they will be a cross-country team or a football team. The rest of the time, live snaps have resulted in a sack about 1 in every 3 plays. I heard Brissett was getting so steamed that they sent Maye in to let Jacoby cool off. Stay tuned for head-to-head practices this week and a Thursday night game against the Eagles. Maye is projected to see a lot more time this game. Maybe they can tell the Philly defensive linemen they can't cross the LOS until they count 5 Mississippi's.

I could have sworn I read somewhere that they were going to bring in some O lineman this week.

There has to be a body or two out there that can help. I just don't get it.

 

[Boston]

Sounds like the O-line was a complete disaster today against Philly…and that may be being kind…everyone knows this is going to be a rough season but if the O-line isn’t even below-average that means you cannot even develop Maye and the rest of the offense…that is your worst-case scenario.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Sounds like the O-line was a complete disaster today against Philly…and that may be being kind…everyone knows this is going to be a rough season but if the O-line isn’t even below-average that means you cannot even develop Maye and the rest of the offense…that is your worst-case scenario.

I'm inclined to ignore all Pats in my redraft leagues and ignore all except maybe Baker and Polk (and Maye, I guess) in my auction keeper Superflex league.

 

[kyoun1e]

Bedard: Pats offense an 'absolute trainwreck' in joint practice

Greg Bedard breaks down what he calls an “absolute trainwreck” of a performance by the Patriots’ offense during their joint practice with the Eagles.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Yikes.

Why in the hell don't they get some O line help!?!?!?!?

 

[Boston]

Bedard: Pats offense an 'absolute trainwreck' in joint practice

Greg Bedard breaks down what he calls an “absolute trainwreck” of a performance by the Patriots’ offense during their joint practice with the Eagles.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Yikes.

Why in the hell don't they get some O line help!?!?!?!?

Agreed...I fully understand that they had a ton of holes throughout the roster and they could not fill them all in one offseason but there is no reason they couldn't at least have added some competent veterans to be a bridge to when they could get some long-term solutions...this unit has a chance to really set them back which you would think is almost impossible given the shape the Pats are already in.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Luckily there are a couple top LT prospects in the 2025 draft in Campbell and Banks

 

[Bossman]

Will never understand the thought process behind letting Meyers walk only to be replaced by Juju.

you sir, would be questioning the genius of Bill Belichick with this statement.

 

[Lansdowne]

Bedard: Pats offense an 'absolute trainwreck' in joint practice

Greg Bedard breaks down what he calls an “absolute trainwreck” of a performance by the Patriots’ offense during their joint practice with the Eagles.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Yikes.

Why in the hell don't they get some O line help!?!?!?!?

Agreed...I fully understand that they had a ton of holes throughout the roster and they could not fill them all in one offseason but there is no reason they couldn't at least have added some competent veterans to be a bridge to when they could get some long-term solutions...this unit has a chance to really set them back which you would think is almost impossible given the shape the Pats are already in.

Kingsley Suimataia was a guy I was hoping the Pats were seriously considering at 34 at the time. Would’ve been a reach considering 3 OT’s went before him and he didn’t get taken until 29 picks later. But it pissed me off seeing the Chiefs get him and now he’s starting at LT for them. Can only hope Caeden Wallace rewards their faith in him, because early reports aren’t good for this OL as a whole.