Content Post Idle thoughts - the "a win is a win" edition.

[203Pat]

The season sure would look different without those four fumbles. So in a way that gives hope - RB fumbles are not a given going forward. Will always be some interceptions in our future though- that's just football.

The lack of a reliable third-down back is a big issue though. Burkhead?

Yeah Bolden on third downs is not the answer whatsoever. Unfortunately Burkhead is on the Texans but I wouldn't mind making a run at Marlon Mack. He got injured last year with the Colts but is apparently fully healthy and being shopped. Not big numbers as a pass catcher but at least capable and was a solid runner pre injury. The only thing is if Ballard would pick up our call after the McDaniels fiasco.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

Unfortunately Burkhead is on the Texans

But he's worth much more to us than he is to them, suggesting there is a trade to be had.

 

[Sicilian]

But he's worth much more to us than he is to them, suggesting there is a trade to be had.

I like Burkhead a lot, and would definitely take him because our options for guys that could come and fit in right away are pretty limited. But I worry about his durability right now too, which if we're looking for a guy to fill in for other guys being injured isn't the most reassuring proposition.

 

[203Pat]

Uche and Wino are never going to have a decent amount of playing time here. Bill needs to see if either hold any value around the league and unload ‘em if it’s there. No reason to waste their first contracts because they aren’t a system fit.

To be honest the system needs to change. We need more athletes and less big plodding LBs. Wino and Uche are athletic pass rushing type players but this system requires them to drop in coverage on occasion as well as play the run. The game has shifted to basketball on grass and we need to adapt with quicker linebackers. I thought it was a positive sign when we took Winovich and Uche but unfortunately they done see many snaps and may now see even less with Collins back in the mix.

 

[203Pat]

But he's worth much more to us than he is to them, suggesting there is a trade to be had.

Not like there isn't a relationship there. I would take anyone over Bolden at this point.

 

[upstater1]

When Belichick built the Patriots quick the first time around, he had a great array of assistant coaches around him. I really like Josh McD on the offensive side, though I worry about our OL coaching. On D, we seem to be threadbare and he might not have the same braintrust.

I know Patricia is back, but clearly he's not active with the D.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

When Belichick built the Patriots quick the first time around, he had a great array of assistant coaches around him.

Yes, it's not just Brady that moved on - they lost a lot of coaching talent over the last five years.

And I can't say I like the whiff of nepotism with Stephen and Brian. No idea if they are in fact the best to be had at the position, but it doesn't look good from the outside.

 

[patfanken]

When you change so much of the roster its not easy to gel all together immediately esp. with all the practice limitations. But thats on the coaches and clearly they could do better. Losing Popovich could be significant but is hard to know.

This is a point that bears repeating. The MANY practice restrictions that are present today inhibit the team building process. Think about it. How many snaps did the defense actually play TOGETHER during the preseason. The first month actually IS an extended preseason and while I would have rather been 3-2 rather than 2-3 the reality of what this team ACTUALLY is, will become apparent over the next few weeks. If we see progress, then there is hope this team will take the next step for the stretch run.

The key in my mind is how this team reacts to the many close games they are going to play. You often hear the media, players, and coaches use the term, "we have to learn to win", and its not just a cliché. It's a skill. the Pats under Brady had it in spades. Teams like the Lions are clearly missing that gene. I don't know if this team has it or not. We shall see. The margin between victory and defeat is small in the NFL, why certain teams seem to be on the right side of that margin more often than not, is something I don't think we talk about enough.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

The MANY practice restrictions that are present today inhibit the team building process. Think about it. How many snaps did the defense actually play TOGETHER during the preseason.

Big advantage to the teams that brought all the key players back from last year - looking at you, Tampa Bay.

That said, our defense should be further along than our offense, which is a complete rework from prior years on many fronts.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Yes I know. God forbid anyone use a hypothetical that isn't in our favor. I forgot hypotheticals only work one way around here.

“A win is an absolute win, but a loss is a win if you change things” - Confucius

 

[Lavictoire]

It was a roller coaster of a game and I feel like there was an emotional hangover from the Bucs game. Defense was playing like they did not want to be out there to start the game- got beat up from 20 to 20.

I thought we were doing well in responding but that goal line fumble by Harris was a total sucker punch to the team. We were out on our feet until half time after it. I don't want to spend too much time on the play (so naturally I will..) but I did not see a any definitive video evidence to overturn the call on the field. I thought that was needed to reverse a decision. All angles showed it was a 50/50 call at best - rule on the field should have stood. Major momentum shift. Im happy once the game was cooking again late they brought him back in...hoping his injury is minor.

Meyers catches everything until... He doesn't. Ugh..tough drop.

Agholor and Bourne continue to make plays when called on. Hunter Henry has emerged at the TE1 of this offense. Jonnu Smith is a work in progress. I think he will get his time but right now mac operates at his best with 3 wrs on the field which will likely limit his ceiling for now.

Judon is the best Patriots player on the field every Sunday.

Next week will be a true indicator of where we are at.

That's what I said too. Where is the undisputable evidence to overturn that touchdown? I then thought maybe the "woke" NFL was handicapping the Texan's coach after last weeks' embarrassment. The coach is fine and doesn't need their "help."

 

[holyredeemer]

To be honest the system needs to change. We need more athletes and less big plodding LBs. Wino and Uche are athletic pass rushing type players but this system requires them to drop in coverage on occasion as well as play the run. The game has shifted to basketball on grass and we need to adapt with quicker linebackers. I thought it was a positive sign when we took Winovich and Uche but unfortunately they done see many snaps and may now see even less with Collins back in the mix.

Even more painful is when you have those big lb’s and still perform like ****e against the run! Couldn’t agree more.

 

[borg]

Disappointed?

It's comments in this line of thought that sharpens the divide between posting personalities. Where seeming sadness is derived from the team's winning because they might get a worse draft pick after the season is over. Like the better draft pick is the goal of an NFL team. (especially puzzling given the other aspect that the entire team cant draft - "We want the team to lose to get a better draft pick that they'll end up mis-using"...wait...huh?)

I simply have no understanding of such an approach because it ultimately means rooting against the Patriots' success in the current season (which is why from my perspective I watch - to see the team play the game of football and hopefully succeed in doing it).

Especially living through the Rust year, the Grier GM years and other truly horrible Patriots iterations where BOTH on-field and team building aspects were terrible in concert where watching every game had zero joy because you knew before the coin flip that the Patriots probably had zero opportunity to win the game.

Premature Draft Order Disorder is a serious condition that should not go untreated.
Internet physicians recommend facing your demons head on.

Let the healing begin...

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers, Texans take a quarterback; five teams target receivers and five go edge rusher - CBSSports.com

 

[NormZauchin]

“A win is an absolute win, but a loss is a win if you change things” - Confucius

Confucius - Wasn't he the coach of the 1920 Decatur Staleys?