Things to Expect in 2013.

[Archeryaddict12]

You say that Gronk and Amendola will get us through the first couple of weeks, while the rookies develop.

Well, Gronk isn't likely to be ready for Game One.

I should rephrase, they will probably be the most targeted and get the bulk come the first week or 2. I wouldn't count gronk out man. Full recovery was 11-12 weeks. In his 3-4th week he resumed light workouts. Gronk and Danny will be guys we have to have. And they have to be productive. But who knows, its all speculation until the fat lady sings.

 

[supafly]

In terms of the offense I think it really comes down to one thing: the development of the rookie wide receivers.

If we can get any kind of average development from the rookie WR's, we should be in fine shape.

The TE injuries should sort themselves out by the end of September or so, we have adequate depth at RB, and it would appear that Michael Jenkins may be our answer to the possession receiver role that Branch recently held. If the rookies can work hard and make any kind of reasonable contribution, we should be just fine.

The other side of the coin is that is a big "IF."

 

[ausbacker]

In terms of the offense I think it really comes down to one thing: the development of the rookie wide receivers.

If we can get any kind of average development from the rookie WR's, we should be in fine shape.

The TE injuries should sort themselves out by the end of September or so, we have adequate depth at RB, and it would appear that Michael Jenkins may be our answer to the possession receiver role that Branch recently held. If the rookies can work hard and make any kind of reasonable contribution, we should be just fine.

The other side of the coin is that is a big "IF."

Color me pink but I'm hoping 2013 is the year we finally get the Defense we've wanted for a few years. There's so much athleticism on D that (outside of the dreaded DL) the only thing holding them back will be a lack of execution.

In regard to the O, Brady carried a substantially poorer unit in 2006. I'm a little excited about the unknown quantity this season. We knew what we were getting with Welker, Hernandez etc. This season, given the questions and suspicions, we really don't know. That could be a negative but the sun is shining brightly on a winter's day here, thus my disposition.

 

[DarrylS]

What seems to have changed for this team is the defense, the addition and strengthening of the LB corps and DB's will allow more of a pass rush, in addition this team may get off the field quicker and allow the O back on... it will also give the Offense more confidence.

Do not anticipate that the O will be record breaking, but it will put enough points on the board to be feared by defenses and win between 11 -13 games..

 

[Brady6]

Wow, the negativity on this forum in unbelievable compared to others, maybe because we have gotten so spoiled from winning all of the time, that we forgot to sit back and realize how blessed we are to even have the back up talent that we have, that other teams would do anything for. Jake Ballard was one of the main reasons that the Giants won the superbowl. His big size, deceptive speed, good hands and route running helped him to become Eli's security blanket during clutch situations. He had a really good season, as his name was heard more and more often every Sunday. I think with Tom who is so much better than Eli as a quarterback, can make Jake Ballard look that much better. Why do you think Tom Coughlin was pissed when we signed him while on PUP? Because he knows that value of Jake Ballard, especially being on a great offense.

NEPO I'm not negative at all, I think Ballard will be a very good player for us. That said many fans. and media members in this area have hyped up Ballard setting expectations for him that inconceivable for any TE outside Rob Gronkowski to reach.

 

[Oswlek]

Sometimes I think it is, while other times I don't.

I suppose it all depends on whether or not the rumors about Ballard still being hemmed up are true.

If that's the case, then yes--it is an area of concern. That leaves us all of our top 3 TE's either recovering from injury still or off the team, with the leftovers being Hooman, Fells, and a couple of rookies who probably won't even make it.

It is a question whether they'll be elite, but the only way they get less than above average production from the position is if Gronk misses more than half the year.

For what it's worth, this is the most current report that I could find from 3 weeks ago, and it's not good news:

(courtesy of FFCChamps.com, sportsoverdose.com and the Boston Globe)

"Tight end Jake Ballard wasn't moving well at all at Patriots OTAs this month. SOURCE: Boston GlobeFantasy Spin:That isn't surprising when you consider how many surgeries he's had on his knees over the past couple years. With Ballard looking slower than molasses, the Patriots better start looking at other options at tight end. New England fans will be praying for Rob Gronkowski to recover quickly from back surgery."

This sounds like hyperbolic license on some mild comments made at OTAs about how Ballard wasn't quite hitting full speed. Most writers made it perfectly clear that he didn't look unusually slow considering speed wasn't his primary deal even in 2011 and it was his first action in over a year.

 

[50-yard-line]

For what it's worth, this is the most current report that I could find from 3 weeks ago, and it's not good news:

(courtesy of FFCChamps.com, sportsoverdose.com and the Boston Globe)

"Tight end Jake Ballard wasn't moving well at all at Patriots OTAs this month. SOURCE: Boston GlobeFantasy Spin:That isn't surprising when you consider how many surgeries he's had on his knees over the past couple years. With Ballard looking slower than molasses, the Patriots better start looking at other options at tight end. New England fans will be praying for Rob Gronkowski to recover quickly from back surgery."

I was watching one of the talk shows - maybe Mike&Mike - during OTA's...well, i was flipping the channels and saw that it was the Pats, so I stopped and took a look. They were showing Ballard and interviewing a New York sportswriter.

They mentioned that he didn't seem to be moving well and the New York guy laughed and disagreed, explaining that he was moving exactly like Jake Ballard. According to this guy, Ballard made his catches by recognizing defenses and finding space, not through superhuman athleticism.

 

[supafly]

It is a question whether they'll be elite, but the only way they get less than above average production from the position is if Gronk misses more than half the year.



This sounds like hyperbolic license on some mild comments made at OTAs about how Ballard wasn't quite hitting full speed. Most writers made it perfectly clear that he didn't look unusually slow considering speed wasn't his primary deal even in 2011 and it was his first action in over a year.

I agree about Gronk, but I'd still personally consider the position itself somewhat of a concern at this point until he is on the field taking reps. At this point we really don't know if he'll miss the first handful of games or if he'll be back for the first week. I don't think anyone does yet, and that's what makes it a concern.

As far as Ballard, I was under the impression that he was on his way back and on schedule myself until I saw some posters saying that "he was still limping" and would likely start on PUP. That's why I tried to find more info and posted the link that I found.

The only way we'll know for sure is when he takes some reps in practice in the next few weeks, which will hopefully be followed up by preseason action.

I was watching one of the talk shows - maybe Mike&Mike - during OTA's...well, i was flipping the channels and saw that it was the Pats, so I stopped and took a look. They were showing Ballard and interviewing a New York sportswriter.

They mentioned that he didn't seem to be moving well and the New York guy laughed and disagreed, explaining that he was moving exactly like Jake Ballard. According to this guy, Ballard made his catches by recognizing defenses and finding space, not through superhuman athleticism.

Good point, he isn't too fast normally.

Either way though, this started by someone stating that he could take over the role of Aaron Hernandez who played a much more mobile "move" or "joker" TE role of versatility (at least compared to more of the traditional "in line" TE role that Gronk plays). That isn't happening. Ballard should provide talent, but I disagree with him being able to take over the role of AH.

One thing is for sure though--when Ballard is able to play in games again, which I'd expect to be sooner rather than later, he should definitely improve upon the depth of the TE unit as a whole.

 

[ATippett56]

Things to Expect in 2013:

A repeat of the 2006 New England Patriots offense.

 

[supafly]

Things to Expect in 2013:

A repeat of the 2006 New England Patriots offense.

If that is followed up by a repeat of the 2006 #2 ranked scoring defense in the league that will be just fine.

 

[ATippett56]

If that is followed up by a repeat of the 2006 #2 ranked scoring defense in the league that will be just fine.

Never mentioned the state of the 2013 New England Patriots defense whatsover in the things to expect category.

However, the 2013 New England Patriots defense has a number of concerns:

1 strong safety - an over-the-hill in-the-box safety
1 safety - former rugby player with zero football IQ
4 free safeties - ridiculous
1 cornerback - legal issues for the second consecutive year
1 cornerback - made of glass nicknamed Glass-IR
backup defensive tackles - all UDFAs
backup defensive ends - not impressed

 

[supafly]

Never mentioned the state of the 2013 New England Patriots defense whatsover in the things to expect category.

However, the 2013 New England Patriots defense has a number of concerns:

1 strong safety - an over-the-hill in-the-box safety
1 safety - former rugby player with zero football IQ
4 free safeties - ridiculous
1 cornerback - legal issues for the second consecutive year
1 cornerback - made of glass nicknamed Glass-IR
backup defensive tackles - all UDFAs
backup defensive ends - not impressed

I'm just saying that point differential is point differential.

We may be losing some pts on offense, but gaining them on defense.

 

[supafly]

For what it's worth the position of defensive line bugs the hell out of me, and has for awhile; especially in passing on some talent in the draft and then missing out on a very reasonable costing free agency period in the spring.

I think it's up there with one of our team's biggest weaknesses.

 

[ATippett56]

For what it's worth the position of defensive line bugs the hell out of me, and has for awhile; especially in passing on some talent in the draft and then missing out on a very reasonable costing free agency period in the spring.

Especially after cutting defensive tackles Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick.

 

[ATippett56]

I'm just saying that point differential is point differential.

We may be losing some pts on offense, but gaining them on defense.

I'm not as sold on the 2013 New England Patriots defense as you are.

 

[supafly]

I'm not as sold on the 2013 New England Patriots defense as you are.

Fair enough, and you could be right in the end--but the possibility exists that there will be an improvement in the defense just the same as your argument that there will be a decrease in the offense.

 

[NEPettyOfficer72]

Drafted Jamie Collins and Michael Buchanan, two skilled pass rushers to help out on getting after the passer.

Jamie Collins can actually also provide help in coverage.

Buchanan could actually allow Rob Ninkovich to sit back more in coverage if he pans out.

Dane Fletcher is coming back healthy

Add depth at LB with both Collins, Buchanan(being a hybrid), Adrian Wilson (He also plays OLB), and Steve Beauranhais who can play any position at Linebacker.

Adrian Wilson could provide help in coverage with TE's and RB's and also play in the box against the run. (Never underestimate the value of a good smart veteran, how do you think we won all of those Championships? Just ask Tedy)

We resign CB Aqib Talib, and Ras-I Dowling looks good so far this offseason and if he stays healthy could provide a lot of playmaking at that position.
(Can't dwell on injury history, If that's the case then every team would have a shaky mindset going into the season)

Move Devin McCourty to FS, and this time from the start of the season

Resigned our nickel cover corner Kyle Arrington

Drafted more smart, young depth at DB with Logan Ryans and Duron Harmon.

Tavon Wilson, Chandler Jones and Don'ta Hightower, two at least who could rise their second years.

Sign Tommy Kelly and former CFL star Armond Armstead to provide extra interior pass rush taking pressure off of Vince Wilfork.

How have we not improved on defense? And just think about the depth we've added and the experience that was gained last year from players that will be another year smarter in the system.

 

[Oswlek]

Things to Expect in 2013:

A repeat of the 2006 New England Patriots offense.

The one that scored 24ppg, equal to what the Ravens scored last year? I suppose I could take that.

Realistically, though, considering the 2013 Patriots are superior to that 2006 squad at WR, TE, RB and OL, the odds are they will do better. Unless you think that Brady is heading over a cliff.

I have extended on numerous occasions a $50 charitable wager that NE will score at least 26ppg and win at least 12 games. No matter how vocal dissenters get, no one has taken me up on it as of yet. With you and Deus being so down on the team, I figured it might make sense to bring it up again.

 

[Oswlek]

Never mentioned the state of the 2013 New England Patriots defense whatsover in the things to expect category.

However, the 2013 New England Patriots defense has a number of concerns:

1 strong safety - an over-the-hill in-the-box safety
1 safety - former rugby player with zero football IQ
4 free safeties - ridiculous
1 cornerback - legal issues for the second consecutive year
1 cornerback - made of glass nicknamed Glass-IR
backup defensive tackles - all UDFAs
backup defensive ends - not impressed

The same defense with even more concerns was top 10 in nearly all defensive measures over the second half of last year, once the personnel settled and guys could shift to more suitable slots.

That was while starting 2-3 rookies, not even having Adrian Wilson on the team and having even more questions at depth than they do now.

I have no illusions that they'll be an elite defense, but this being the first time in half a decade that they will have some semblance of an experience/athleticism combo plus continuity, it is very likely we will see some improvement over last year.