On to 2016: Next Year's New England Patriots

[patriotfantyler]

I think we all saw today that it doesn't matter who are weapons are, we need to give Tom time to throw and a line that can actually be competitive in the trenches to give our Rb's a "shot" to do something

 

[Love The Drake]

We need a difference maker at runningback and a O line now Solder coming back helps tremendously.
Cannon isnt good and shouldnt be back on his current salary.
Chandler gone
Jackson gone
Blount gone more than likely
Lafell gone
We need to find some gems.
We need Caserio and BB to find wideouts a three down back a mauling O line.
We have good talent in the secondary they were not the problem today.
Could add some depth on the d line.
We need a Josh Gordon type of receiver.
And a second tight end who can spell Gronk.

 

[patriotfantyler]

Having another dual threat RB like Matt Forte could help. While Lewis is more explosive at this point in their respective careers, Forte can be the bell cow for a 1 or 2 year deal. Forte is also regarded as being one of the better pass protection Rb's in the league which we certainly good of used today.

 

[resdubwhite]

Running game would be nice

 

[long distance]

Having another dual threat RB like Matt Forte could help. While Lewis is more explosive at this point in their respective careers, Forte can be the bell cow for a 1 or 2 year deal. Forte is also regarded as being one of the better pass protection Rb's in the league which we certainly good of used today.

i am afraid forte would be retired already behind this OL
or at least very tired

 

[Ross12]

Josh Gordon is a very, very interesting topic of conversation. I think BB would roll the dice on him considering he would probably come with a relatively low price tag. I'm not sure on what needs to happen for him to be acquired, though.

 

[Ross12]

I think we are all in agreement here though - top priority definitely needs to be fixing the OL. I think just returning some of the injured guys helps that a lot, but additions are probably a necessity too. Whatever needs to happen to get them to at least a serviceable level.

I think there are a bunch of WRs to target in FA. Would be surprised if they went the draft route again. And don't kill me but I think Dobson still has a shot if he can actually, really, truly put it together this offseason.

RB - Forte seems like the obvious pick. A rotation of Forte, Lewis and White (maybe 2 on the field at once) seems like an awesome answer to the issue - but you don't really have a "big" back. Maybe Develin fills that role. Forte can probably do that somewhat though. They could certainly draft RB too.

 

[CISGS]

Obviously Forte would be an incredible pickup, if we could pull it off.

Imagine a backfield of Forte, Lewis, White and whomever. That would be an amazing group.

For wideouts, I think we should target Mohamed Sanu. Bill liked him pre-draft and I think he could fit in here.

 

[bedford1974]

Finally it's over

The jets or bills finally win division next year

Gronk in a wheelchair soon- poor guy what a beast!

 

[Boomer B]

We struggled bad on the o-line for much of the season, and it haunted us again today. The Broncos didn't seem to blitz a ton but were still getting there fast with 3 or 4 man rushes. That comes down squarely to talent and the likes of Cannon, Fleming, and Kline should not be on the roster. They aren't good enough to be in a game.

Going into next year:

The Good - The D!!!! I am excited about our defense. We have multiple studs at each level. Depth at LB and Corner need to be looked at, but on a whole this was our best D since the 1st Super Bowl runs. We need to look at locking up Hightower and Collins, and possible Butler if we can get a good deal with him now. Chandler Jones may be coming into his last year with the team. He always seems to disappear in key games/situations.

On O we have the GOAT, and I think he will play at a high level for another 2 to 3 seasons. Gronk is the best TE in the league, but we need to keep him upright. Edelman has become one of may favorite players. He is tough as nails but he's small and can wear down. We need to establish a running game so we can rest some of these guys and keep them healthy. Amendola is a good 3rd option. Lewis was great before he went down and I like what I saw from White as a RB who can catch.

The Bad - The o-line needs major improvement and depth. If one of our tackles gets injured we are f**ked. The guards need to be addressed also. We need to draft and also acquire a vet o-lineman. I don't want to see Cannon or Kline on the team. They're useless. We also need to address the outside WR spot. Lafell isn't the answer. We need someone who can stretch the field. Doesn't need to be a 100 catch guy but someone the safety's have to respect and help on deep routes. That will open it up more for Gronk. We also need to upgrade Blount either through the draft or FA. We were to one dimensional this year. Gotta be able to pound the rock.

Overall we got to feel good. We are a few players away from being a Super Bowl team again. Let's get some help on the line, at RB, and at outside WR and we can win it all next year. It would also help not to piss away home field advantage but that is another discussion.

 

[ViperGTS]

We need a difference maker at runningback and a O line now Solder coming back helps tremendously.
Cannon isnt good and shouldnt be back on his current salary.
Chandler gone
Jackson gone
Blount gone more than likely
Lafell gone
We need to find some gems.
We need Caserio and BB to find wideouts a three down back a mauling O line.
We have good talent in the secondary they were not the problem today.
Could add some depth on the d line.
We need a Josh Gordon type of receiver.
And a second tight end who can spell Gronk.

In other words '16 is where it ends. Too much to fix and the schedule is brutal. My initial glance is a 10-6 record. 2nd in the East. Also the secondary is actually not that good. Or they aren't coached right. We were tricked all year. For instance Butler could have killed a TD drive had he just ripped the ball out versus trying to intercept it. He's a hard one to blame, but he played equally poor as well as good in this game. Then they can't intercept balls. Ryan regressed massively as the year went on. All of the 3rd and forevers that got completed like clockwork. I can't remember a season where I was more worried about 3rd and long than 3rd and 3.

The D doesn't hit hard enough either. They lack a nastiness that big time Ds bring. A Bryan Cox, Rodney etc.

 

[sevengables_2207]

Looking through a list of NFL FA's in 2016, figured I would post what guys interest me by position for RB and WR...

RB - looking for a 3-down back type or a bruiser, at least:
Matt Forte
Tim Hightower
Chris Ivory (probably too expensive for BB)
Chris Johnson? (looked good this year in AZ)
Doug Martin (also probably too expensive)
Lamar Miller
Stevan Ridley (again), Travaris Cadet (again)
James Starks? Robert Turbin?

WR - the "X" position seems to be the greater need with LaFell having a down year:
Travis Benjamin
Anquan Boldin
Andre Holmes
Alshon Jeffery (likely too expensive)
Leonard Hankerson (again)
Marvin Jones
Jermaine Kearse
Brian Quick
Terrelle Pryor

The bolded players are the ones I would target in FA if the price is right.

They really need reinforcements at the OT position. Brady absorbing 23 hits is unacceptable at his age. They used resources on the interior OL the past two drafts, but yesterday, the OT position was terrible and was exposed by a ferocious pass rush. Cannon and Fleming got nary a paw on Miller/Ware, and the IOL had massive trouble with the stunts of the Broncos, particularly Malik Jackson and Wolfe.

I would also like to see another young linebacker to groom behind Hightower and Collins, and a young running back (one of the two from Arkansas might fit the bill).

 

[Ross12]

The bolded players are the ones I would target in FA if the price is right.

They really need reinforcements at the OT position. Brady absorbing 23 hits is unacceptable at his age. They used resources on the interior OL the past two drafts, but yesterday, the OT position was terrible and was exposed by a ferocious pass rush. Cannon and Fleming got nary a paw on Miller/Ware, and the IOL had massive trouble with the stunts of the Broncos, particularly Malik Jackson and Wolfe.

I would also like to see another young linebacker to groom behind Hightower and Collins, and a young running back (one of the two from Arkansas might fit the bill).

I wouldn't mind bringing Ridley back but he is only a 1 trick pony... If they could get Forte for a good price I think that would be an outstanding signing. Also agreed that Marvin Jones would be a good fit here.

I'm not too unhappy with Freeny as the third LB, but they definitely wanna groom some depth behind those guys.

 

[sevengables_2207]

I wouldn't mind bringing Ridley back but he is only a 1 trick pony... If they could get Forte for a good price I think that would be an outstanding signing. Also agreed that Marvin Jones would be a good fit here.

I'm not too unhappy with Freeny as the third LB, but they definitely wanna groom some depth behind those guys.

I think Ridley would be merely a contingency plan if they lose out on someone like Forte.

I have watched Forte his entire career, since I like in the Chicago area, and his skill set would be ideal for the Patriots system. Can run between the tackles/edges, block, and catch the ball like a wide receiver. He has a lot of miles on him, so they would have to pair him with another running back or two so that he does not wear down over the course of the season. I think Fox and Gase used him properly in 2015, so that is the template for the next coaching staff who signs him.

 

[CISGS]

I think Ridley would be merely a contingency plan if they lose out on someone like Forte.

I have watched Forte his entire career, since I like in the Chicago area, and his skill set would be ideal for the Patriots system. Can run between the tackles/edges, block, and catch the ball like a wide receiver. He has a lot of miles on him, so they would have to pair him with another running back or two so that he does not wear down over the course of the season. I think Fox and Gase used him properly in 2015, so that is the template for the next coaching staff who signs him.

Matt Forte would flourish here. He is a total Patriot back and has a few good years left. Him with Dion would be so lethal.

 

[Double TE]

#1) Fix the O Line

#2) Need a playmaker. James White almost made a huge one on one play or two but just didn't bring it in. When you face a sick D you need some people to just make one on one sick plays. Gronk can do it and Edelman sometimes but really wish we could get a leaper receiver that can beat a corner one on one. Maybe Dobson eventually? IDK?

#3) Running Game!! Need at least to feign a dual threat. Lewis' return will help but really could use a legit back that can break a 10-15 yard run or longer. Maybe they draft one in round 2 or 3?

I think the D and ST is fairly solid but TB is not getting any younger get him a running back that can carry 20-25 per game if Lewis is not 100%, a better O Line (injuries impacted it I get it) and if possible a receiver that can make plays downfield. Maybe take a run at Jermaine Kearse?

 

[Ross12]

I think Ridley would be merely a contingency plan if they lose out on someone like Forte.

I have watched Forte his entire career, since I like in the Chicago area, and his skill set would be ideal for the Patriots system. Can run between the tackles/edges, block, and catch the ball like a wide receiver. He has a lot of miles on him, so they would have to pair him with another running back or two so that he does not wear down over the course of the season. I think Fox and Gase used him properly in 2015, so that is the template for the next coaching staff who signs him.

If you look at the bigger picture of the "back" position, a group of Forte, Lewis, White, Bolden and Develin makes sense. Forte and Lewis would be the two primary backs rotating with one another, and White would be more of a pure pass catcher and depth wide receiver as well. Bolden can fill any of those roles serviceably, and Develin is a FB/part time TE who can also bang it in when needed in short yardage. Seems like a good group.

 

[sevengables_2207]

If you look at the bigger picture of the "back" position, a group of Forte, Lewis, White, Bolden and Develin makes sense. Forte and Lewis would be the two primary backs rotating with one another, and White would be more of a pure pass catcher and depth wide receiver as well. Bolden can fill any of those roles serviceably, and Develin is a FB/part time TE who can also bang it in when needed in short yardage. Seems like a good group.

I think this would improve the overall offense tremendously.

Late this year, the offense was hurt by not having a running game threat, which hurt the play action passing game.

Without the threat of play action, the pass rush could pin their ears back and harass the quarterback, which is what we saw unfold late in the year once Blount went down and yesterday for sure.

 

[Ross12]

I think this would improve the overall offense tremendously.

Late this year, the offense was hurt by not having a running game threat, which hurt the play action passing game.

Without the threat of play action, the pass rush could pin their ears back and harass the quarterback, which is what we saw unfold late in the year once Blount went down and yesterday for sure.

Definitely, although part of that is on the OL too. They seemed to improve in pass protection somewhat as the year went on (except for the tackles crapping the bed yesterday) but the run game was piss poor the back half of the year and it seemed like the OL was just incapable of opening a hole for anybody.

 

[sevengables_2207]

Definitely, although part of that is on the OL too. They seemed to improve in pass protection somewhat as the year went on (except for the tackles crapping the bed yesterday) but the run game was piss poor the back half of the year and it seemed like the OL was just incapable of opening a hole for anybody.

It is both, IMO. The team needs to add talent to the OL and the RB position... legitimate talent via free agency and/or the draft.