Strategy for Next Season

[sb1]

With a competent QB this team would probably be about 9-4 and ready to make a playoff push.
They will have more free agent cap space than any team in the league. Between the draft, free agency and young players developing finding just a competent QB will have them in the hunt.
I don’t know what you mean by cutting the team, I don’t think that’s even a thing with all the cap space available.
A one year remake is definitely doable to bring in free agents around the team in place.

They need to find a QB first. That doesn't guarantee greatness in year one. I think we all agree that Herbert is a "hit" by the Chargers in the draft and look where they are in the standings. If they replace Cam they need a bridge to go along with their newly drafted pick.

 

[notex]

Since the WR/TE and QB discussion has been beaten like a dead horse, what do folks think about our D?

I think we need Front 7 help just as bad (could I say worse? probably not) as we need WR/TE help. If Hightower comes back, I am OK with Uche/Jennings/Bentley/Hightower/Wino as an "edge" and some other JAGs/Draftpicks mixed in.

I am fine with Butler/Wise/Guy sticking around but we desperately need some impact players there. I just don't get why BB refuses to acknowledge and it confuses me. Our D was at its best when we had Willie McG, Seymour etc.. we even drafted an absolutely dominant player in Chandler Jones and traded him away. We've been beat up over and over again by teams with these types of players (Ahem, NYGs). We also need a legit NT.

There are some VERY formidable run offenses in the AFC nowadays - Chiefs, Browns, Titans, Ravens etc.

Rant over.

 

[jah]

We need multiple impact players to either step up from the existing roster or (more likely) be acquired in the future at multiple positions to give any QB at all a chance at success: WR, TE, NT, LB. We also, of course, need a new QB who is not currently a member of the New England Patriots. I think I'd like to continue seeing a QB who can run though.

 

[jah]

Since the WR/TE and QB discussion has been beaten like a dead horse, what do folks think about our D?

I think we need Front 7 help just as bad (could I say worse? probably not) as we need WR/TE help. If Hightower comes back, I am OK with Uche/Jennings/Bentley/Hightower/Wino as an "edge" and some other JAGs/Draftpicks mixed in.

I am fine with Butler/Wise/Guy sticking around but we desperately need some impact players there. I just don't get why BB refuses to acknowledge and it confuses me. Our D was at its best when we had Willie McG, Seymour etc.. we even drafted an absolutely dominant player in Chandler Jones and traded him away. We've been beat up over and over again by teams with these types of players (Ahem, NYGs). We also need a legit NT.

There are some VERY formidable run offenses in the AFC nowadays - Chiefs, Browns, Titans, Ravens etc.

Rant over.

Our linebackers are definitely in the same tier of being a problem as QB, WR, TE (well, maybe not the same, but close). Not sure how I feel yet about the edge position with Winovich and Uche showing lots of potential but not being sure things yet. I also don't expect Hightower to return, or on the off chance he does return, I don't expect him to be 2018 Hightower.

I don't understand what happened with Bentley. At times in his rookie year before the injury he looked like one of the best players on the field, but has been mediocre to average ever since. I don't buy the Hall hype either, so I think we'll be needing 2 ILBs.

I'm less concerned about the DL with Guy and Butler being very solid starters, but the lack of a true run stopping option at DT is a problem. Beau Allen was supposed to be the Shelton replacement. Who knows if he would have actually been good?

Even the defensive back situation could turn bad in the near future (it certainly isn't a priority at this moment though). Gilmore, Jackson, and both McCourtys (not that Jason is particularly good anymore) could all leave any year now. Even with the current roster, we aren't really getting great play from anyone who fills the non-DMc safety spot. Phillips is alright but could definitely be upgraded. Maybe Dugger is that guy, but I still think he's more likely to be part of our linebacker solution than anything else.

So there's plenty to worry about on defense if you're looking for it, some more pressing needs than others, but I still would prioritize the offense in the immediate future.

 

[Jimke]

They need to find a QB first. That doesn't guarantee greatness in years one. I think we all agree that Herbert is a "hit" by the Chargers in the draft and look where they are in the standings. If they replace Cam they need a bridge to go along with their newly drafted pick.

With a competent QB this team would probably be about 9-4 and ready to make a playoff push.
They will have more free agent cap space than any team in the league. Between the draft, free agency and young players developing finding just a competent QB will have them in the hunt.
I don’t know what you mean by cutting the team, I don’t think that’s even a thing with all the cap space available.
A one year remake is definitely doable to bring in free agents around the team in place.

It is not as simple as adding players to this current roster to get better. You have to account for
any players you lose to free agency. If the Pats lose Andrews, Thuney, Butler, Guy, and Wise, the
Pats will have their holes to fill in addition to getting some competent wide receivers and tight ends.

 

[Ring 6]

They need to find a QB first. That doesn't guarantee greatness in year one. I think we all agree that Herbert is a "hit" by the Chargers in the draft and look where they are in the standings. If they replace Cam they need a bridge to go along with their newly drafted pick.

What? When is there ever a guarantee of greatness? You build the best team you can with resources you have.
Herbert has good stats but that’s not a good team and he isn’t making the decisive plays that win games.
I don’t understand what need a qb first means. Are you suggesting you don’t build a quality team until you have an elite qb? Right now this team would be contending with an average QB. If all it can’t get next year is and average qb it can build the rest of the team through the draft and free agency to be the kind of team that elevates an average qb and wins a Sb, which is close to half of the recent Sb winners.

 

[Ring 6]

It is not as simple as adding players to this current roster to get better. You have to account for
any players you lose to free agency. If the Pats lose Andrews, Thuney, Butler, Guy, and Wise, the
Pats will have their holes to fill in addition to getting some competent wide receivers and tight ends.

That’s no different than any other year. This year they have a plethora of cap room to do it with.

 

[NYCPATS4LIFE]

With a competent QB this team would probably be about 9-4 and ready to make a playoff push.
They will have more free agent cap space than any team in the league. Between the draft, free agency and young players developing finding just a competent QB will have them in the hunt.
I don’t know what you mean by cutting the team, I don’t think that’s even a thing with all the cap space available.
A one year remake is definitely doable to bring in free agents around the team in place.

Really ? So everything’s on scam newton? I’m no the biggest newton fan but there’s other problems beyond the qb. This wr unit is not good and that goes beyond the QB. Also they could use a defensive line player upfront who can create havoc. Still don’t have anything at tight end. You’re dreaming with that 9-4 record.

 

[IllegalContact]

Drink beer, smoke weed, eat dude foods

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Since the WR/TE and QB discussion has been beaten like a dead horse, what do folks think about our D?

I think we need Front 7 help just as bad (could I say worse? probably not) as we need WR/TE help. If Hightower comes back, I am OK with Uche/Jennings/Bentley/Hightower/Wino as an "edge" and some other JAGs/Draftpicks mixed in.

I am fine with Butler/Wise/Guy sticking around but we desperately need some impact players there. I just don't get why BB refuses to acknowledge and it confuses me. Our D was at its best when we had Willie McG, Seymour etc.. we even drafted an absolutely dominant player in Chandler Jones and traded him away. We've been beat up over and over again by teams with these types of players (Ahem, NYGs). We also need a legit NT.

There are some VERY formidable run offenses in the AFC nowadays - Chiefs, Browns, Titans, Ravens etc.

Rant over.

Great post but I do not understand the bold part. Willie McG was the 4th overall pick in the 1st round, Seymour was the 6th overall pick in the 1st round, and I am sure BB would love players like that again, but that is not happening - we have to work around that. Jones was nowhere as good as Willie and Richard, and BB did not think he was good value as the highest paid DLineman in the NFL (I tend to agree but it hard to lose guys like that). BB tends to be right about these things but misses sometimes. I think Seymour had some good years left after we traded him, and I think letting Akiem Hicks walk was a big mistake. Recognizing that, Wilfork was on the decline, I do not think Trey Flowers was worth the contract, we got Thuney as part of the Jones trade, etc. I am sure that BB would love some additional D linemen and I think you will see that in this draft, and hopefully, in free agency too. Every team has holes, and we can not reload every year - 2021 is a reloading year - fingers crossed.

 

[Calhoun44]

Think of all the extra prep time for 2021 that the organization will have now that they are not (most likely) making the playoffs. Not sure if it is a huge advantage, but it is one we haven't really had much in the past 20 years.

 

[PScottman]

I can see them signing Veterans to 1-2 year deals at this point.

If that's the case then all you're going to get are mid-tier level skill players at best. That is BB's MO, but the majority of the board will savage him for it.

 

[PScottman]

got teams stacked

No, he gets offensive skill players which you rate as the #1 key to winning, plus he hasn't stuck around long enough to see what kind of cap manager he is or his renegotiation ability to keep those skill players long term with huge deals constraining a team's cap.

Plus he's been FIRED a lot so there's something else there that isn't in the write-ups that is key to understanding why before saying he's the guy.

 

[lancerman]

No, he gets offensive skill players which you rate as the #1 key to winning, plus he hasn't stuck around long enough to see what kind of cap manager he is or his renegotiation ability to keep those skill players long term with huge deals constraining a team's cap.

Plus he's been FIRED a lot so there's something else there that isn't in the write-ups that is key to understanding why before saying he's the guy.

That’s why I’m saying hire him for the draft and let Bill handle everything he is good at. It’s a win win

 

[jdlboot14]

Unlike many re-builds who bring in a top QB that suffers from surrounding support, we should have another really strong OL and run game next year - and that's a good foundation for any new QB. We also should have Meyers & Byrd returning even better - I think they can be good 2 & 3 WR's. (if Moncrief or Edelman return and provide depth and leadership, even more of a bonus). So, we need a #1WR and #1TE. It's far from clear whether Keene or Asiasi can be that because they've just been off the field too much. IF those pieces emerge, a decent game managing QB with accuracy and decision making should be a far upgrade from Cam. There should be plenty of options there, plus drafting the best possible QB we can.

 

[sb1]

LOL. That's... quite the scorching hot take.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

Pats will benefit from a likely 3rd place schedule in 2021. With lots of cap space I think they can fix a lot of issues and be competitive. Gotta find that QB though. It doesn't matter who, just someone who can pass the ball and teams have to respect.

Would be nice if the moron who pointed a camera at the Bengals sideline didn't do that. That extra 3rd rounder would be useful.

• 2021 schedule ...assuming 3rd place fnish this year
• Home
• Buffalo Bills
• Miami Dolphins
• New York Jets
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tennessee Titans
• New Orleans Saints
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• AFC North* (Balt or Clev)
• aggregate 2020 of home opponents now 54-53
• Away
• Atlanta Falcons
• Buffalo Bills
• Carolina Panthers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Miami Dolphins
• AFC West* (Den)
• New York Jets
• aggregate 2020 of road opponents now 35-60

 

[Jimke]

If that's the case then all you're going to get are mid-tier level skill players at best. That is BB's MO, but the majority of the board will savage him for it.

Despite the pletho

That’s no different than any other year. This year they have a plethora of cap room to do it with.

All of the players BB signs will be mid-tier players at best. Can you see him signing a player
like Godwin for $17 mil per year?

 

[Toofy]

I think we will have a tough chance signing free agents considering we don't have a quarterback. So its a catch 22 situation, without a franchise qb we cannot do much to retain free agents and nor can a qb play without decent free agent additions.

I think no point adding on offense till we find the QB. We will only have middling veterans . So all the more need to focus on defense and try to build a team like giants or broncos and hope we can do with a game manager . And then we need to start trying the qb lottery to see how we can do.

My guess is bienemy and Dorsey might head to the jets and convince trey Lawrence. And with Lawrence watch all the high potential receivers and tight ends go there in droves.

Then afc east becomes the division to beat. And tua and Allen should be even more seasoned. So next season is also not that easy unless we have a well rounded team. If defense is no longer a factor in the new nfl then we are screwed...you are at mercy of getting franchise QB.

And no pipe dreams of getting Garopollo ..

 

[Toofy]

• 2021 schedule ...assuming 3rd place fnish this year
• Home
• Buffalo Bills
• Miami Dolphins
• New York Jets
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tennessee Titans
• New Orleans Saints
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• AFC North* (Balt or Clev)
• aggregate 2020 of home opponents now 54-53
• Away
• Atlanta Falcons
• Buffalo Bills
• Carolina Panthers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Miami Dolphins
• AFC West* (Den)
• New York Jets
• aggregate 2020 of road opponents now 35-60

To be honest with the way we are playing i am not even convinced how this is a cupcake schedule and if Lawrence heads to jets with few shiny toys..they have the cap and draft capital to rebuild in a year..