{"id":4653,"date":"2016-01-24T05:00:18","date_gmt":"2016-01-24T10:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/?p=4653"},"modified":"2016-01-24T07:06:25","modified_gmt":"2016-01-24T12:06:25","slug":"new-england-patriots-news-1-24-and-afc-east-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2016\/01\/24\/new-england-patriots-news-1-24-and-afc-east-notes\/","title":{"rendered":"New England Patriots News 1-24 and AFC East Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good morning, here are Sunday\u2019s Patriots news notes<\/strong> and what\u2019s happening around the division.<\/p>\n

Belichick Snubbed Again: <\/strong>When the PFWA (Pro Football Writers of America) announced their annual awards, it was no surprise that Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera was named Coach of the Year, by the writers all over the nation who cover the NFL.<\/p>\n

While I have no issue with the job Rivera did this season, after all the Panthers went 15-1 and cruised thru the season I didn\u2019t vote for him, (yes I am a member and did vote).<\/p>\n

My question is, does the unparalleled success by the Patriots in the Bill Belichick era make the fact that winning 12+ games every year become pass\u00e9 in the eyes of the rest of the league? In the last six seasons, the Patriots under Belichick have not won less than 12 games, they\u2019ve hit that number the last four years in a row. In 2011, they won 13 and in 2010 they won 14.<\/p>\n

And yet every year the rest of the NFL falls all over themselves to crow about the job some other coach is doing. A record of 75-21 the past six seasons is outstanding in any circles, but today the Patriots are playing in their fifth straight conference championship game. With a win today, Bill Belichick would have more conference championships (7) than anyone since the 1970 merger breaking a tie with Don Shula.<\/p>\n

Belichick and Brady are appearing in their 10th<\/sup> conference championship together today. That\u2019s 10 in 15 seasons together. That\u2019s continued excellence my friends and it seems every year it is ignored.<\/p>\n

Mayo to IR, Snyder Activated:<\/strong> In another crushing end to a season following an injury, Jerod Mayo was placed on IR this week with a shoulder injury. His latest injury cut short his third season in a row less than a week before the conference championship.<\/p>\n

This may be his final season in a Patriots uniform unless he renegotiates his contract that will carry an $11,400,000 cap hit in 2016. Mayo had returned from two serious injuries in 2013 and 2014 where he played only six games in each and played in all 16 games this season. After starting a bit slowly, he turned things up a notch in the middle of the season and played much more solid until he faded a bit down the stretch.<\/p>\n

In his stead the team has activated LB Kevin Snyder from the practice squad. Snyder is the 5th member of the Rutgers Scarlet\u00a0Knights to be a member of the New England this season joining Devin McCourty, Logan Ryan, Duron Harmon and Jonathan Freeny. He\u2019s a guy that can contribute on defense and special teams.<\/p>\n

The 6\u20192, 240 pound Snyder was signed as an UDFA by the Lions and spent time with them and the 49ers on their practice squad before being released in October. He signed with the Pats practice squad before being signed to the active roster this week.<\/p>\n

Snyder ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in March with a 7.09-second time in the all-important (to NE), 3-cone drill, 4.31-second short shuttle, 35-inch vertical leap and 9-foot, 9-inch broad jump.<\/p>\n

His signing is perfect timing for his checkbook; in lieu of his $6600 a week paycheck for being a member of the practice squad, he will get a $46,000 share of playoff money this week.<\/p>\n

Why You Should Feel Good about the Patriots Chances Today:<\/strong> Facing a tough Denver Broncos defense, ranked #1 in the NFL this season and on the road here are few reasons Pats Fans should feel confident.<\/p>\n