Re: That Pats Should Replace Matt Patricia
I realize that replacing Matt Patricia isn't the hottest of topics, but here's why I think the Pats should do this:
1. Have you ever read or heard anyone say that Matt Patricia is a great coordinator? I assume the answer is no. There's no positive buzz about this guy. Brady can't say enough about Josh and yet defensive players never talk about Matt. Means something, I think.
Please let me know how often defensive players have been interviewed and asked, specifically, about Patricia. One of the reasons that Brady was so effusive about McDaniels was all the controversy that McDaniels got himself into while in Denver.
2. As the season wore on, we saw more of BB than ever with the D during games. That shot of him coaching the D and just looking up at a Pats TD during the Texans game was cool, as it showed how focused Bill is, but it also was a commentary on Bill's level of involvement with the D, while a good thing in some respects, was more than we might have expected given that he's the HC.
The amount that BB was coaching up the D was normal. Something that should ring huge bells for you is that BB never took control of the defensive play-calling unlike when Mangini was the DC.
3. Patricia is a younger guy who may not be able to challenge Bill.
When would we ever know about this? You seem to be under the misguided impression that we hear about everything that goes on with the team. Particularly in game planning sessions.
4. Tom E Curran has alluded many times on the radio during WEEI interviews that Patricia is not a great communicator. Tom is loathe to criticize, probably partially for fear of losing access, so maybe this means something. I think Tom is a smart guy and knows his Pats stuff.
Where have you been? Curran has been on the outside looking in for several years now. He hasn't been a good beat reporter since he went to the national scene and flopped, returning with his tail between his legs.
5. Romeo is available. Eric is available. Both would bring an element back to the team. I'd prefer Romeo. By a lot. But it's clear from hearing Eric on the radio that he knows his stuff and maybe he and Bill have buried the hatchet or will. Winning means more than keeping up a feud, even though Eric did a ridiculous thing.
What, exactly, would Mangini or Crennel bring to the team. You said they'd bring an element. What element? And, considering it wasn't just BB that Mangini burned bridges with, but the entire organization (read Bob Kraft), it's unlikely that Mangini will work for the Pats again.
6. While the D improved last year, it still had many flaws. All the 20 yard plays. All the yards. A fresh voice might help avoid some of those things.
So there you have it. My reasons for wanting Patricia out of his current position.
Thoughts?
The D improved last year as the season progressed. You seem to be over-looking the fact that the Pats had 4 rookies starting on Defense at one point.
Yards allowed: 2012 - 4342 ; 2011 -4703
Avg. Yd. Per Passing Play: 2012 - 7.7 ; 2011 - 8.0
20+ Yd Passing plays : 2012 - 74; 2011 - 79
40+ Yd Passing Plays: 2012 - 8; 2011 - 9
TDs Allowed: 2012 - 37 ; 2011 - 39
Avg. Yd. Per Play: 2012 - 5.5 ; 2011 - 6.2
Yes, they gave up 1 more passing TD, but they also reduced the number of rushing TDs by 3.
Some people would rather just complain than look deeper and understand what's going on.