Category: BSMW Original Column

In part one of our annual Combine Snubs series, we saw some speedy receivers and strong defenders who used their college pro days to prove they would have belonged at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. In part two, we continue our search for small school standouts and big school back-ups who, despite getting snubbed, could … Continue reading Pats Draft 2017: Combine Snubs Who Showed ‘Em, Part II

It seems like New England goes about free agency signings the same way I approach a breakfast buffet. I start out intent on just oatmeal and a banana, but after seeing they have omelets made to order? I mean, I've got to at least inquire, right? New England went against their typical wait-and-see mode this … Continue reading Patriots Draft Preview, “That Guy” Free Agency Frenzy Edition

Listen, I tried. For years, I struggled to figure out players Coach Bill Belichick and his cohorts would select in each draft. I'd look at New England's draft positions, figure out where athletes were ranked, and attempt to make them fit. At my prediction rate, I may as well have spent my time trying to … Continue reading Patriots Draft Preview, “That Guy” Combine Edition

If we hadn't seen it for ourselves, we wouldn't believe it. When Atlanta took a 14-0 lead with 8:48 remaining in the first half of Super Bowl 51, erasing that deficit would have counted as the greatest comeback in the game's history. An ensuing 57-yard drive by New England that took 15 plays (including two … Continue reading Patriots Super Bowl 51 Review, With Perspective

New England coach Bill Belichick manages the back end of his roster as well as any NFL coach. Past Patriots champions benefitting from the rise of unsung athletes (in 2014, cornerback Malcolm Butler started just one game; this past season, running back James White scored zero rushing TDs) points to the readiness of every player. … Continue reading Patriots Pre-Draft Roster Roundout

Hey there, Patriots fans. Feel like you've gotten a bit behind in draft research? This may, in part, result from your having lives outside of football, but also because you've been floating through the daydream ending of New England's 17-2 championship season. Well, we here at BSMW want to help. Starting with the first installment … Continue reading Round-By-Round Review, Pats Draft 2017

While I'm sure the frequency will dissipate with time, every few hours or so I begin chuckling to myself. I can't help it. New England won their fifth Super Bowl in the game's first-ever overtime, 34-28, after trailing 28-3 with 8:31 left in the third quarter. Even after the confetti, the parade, and the trophies … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, “It’s Not Over Yet” Review

Sorry you won't read many observations about the Super Bowl here. I'm loathe to watch the Sunday pre-game stuff for a couple of hours, much less two weeks. I'm thinking it should be close, like all New England Super Bowls this millennium, and high-scoring. So… go ahead and place your bets, I guess? Spent the … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, “That Guy” (Senior Bowl)

Though they did it with more difficulty than most foresaw, the Patriots defeated the Texans, 34-16, in a hard-fought divisional playoff match. New England advances to the AFC Championship for a record sixth year in a row, taking on Pittsburgh Sunday evening at 6:40. As someone who predicts these games with all the assurance of … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Texans Review