Category: Patriots

If you'll remember the final preseason game vs. the Giants that may or may not have taken place about seven weeks ago, you'll recall fondly the commanding presence of quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who opened the night's scoring with with a nine-yard dart pulled in by Cody Hollister in the end zone. Brissett kept the Pats … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Giants And Roster Review

Well, leave it to a natural disaster to give some perspective. Despite what I thought on Saturday night before Harvey hit Houston, maybe New England receiver Julian Edelman's knee injury is actually not the worst thing to happen to anyone, ever. Please consider donating to organizations helping out in and around the worst-hit areas. (You … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Lions Review

When it comes to judging preseason games, I'll defer to New England offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia's advice to his linemen up at Buffalo last season. After an up-and-down start, the Pats started pulling away, prompting the coach to tell his charges, "Lookit, nothing's ever, ever, ever as bad as it seems, okay, and – … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Texans Review

Well, even though it's been an entire week since New England lost to Jacksonville, 31-24, that game feeds into our expectations for Saturday night's tilt at Houston. How many starters will play, and for how long? After last week, who will continue to stand out (rookie receivers) or remain invisible (pass rushers)? Many players to … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Jaguars Review

In 2008, I wrote a descriptive account of training camp in Foxboro. In honor of today being the final day of 2017 camp open to fans, we're posting a link to that piece here. A few highlights include references to present and past players, e.g.: 2:42 p.m. – A horn sounds. Offense stays on the … Continue reading Patriots Flashback: 2008 Letter From Camp

Ah. Did the headline get you? I figured, as a Boston media site, it might be fun to experiment with some preseason click bait. In any case, the answer to this question – as typically befits headline inquiries – is no. Sorry. Won't do that again. At least not this season. Welcome back to Thursday … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Tom Brady To Retire?

Your defending champion Patriots take to the field this week in preparation for the 2017 season. It seems like only a few days ago millennials across the nation were pointing cameras at themselves during the Super Bowl to capture incredible joy or angst-ridden disbelief. (Warning: the links are NSFW, especially the latter.) Don't tell my … Continue reading Patriots Pre-preseason Questions (And Answers)

New England has a solid reputation for taking undrafted free agents and making them into championship-level contributors, from offensive linemen like David Andrews (2015) and Stephen Neal (2001) to defensive backs like Malcolm Butler (2014) and Randall Gay (2004). Coach Bill Belichick isn't nearly as concerned about how you get to Gillette as he is … Continue reading Who’s The FA? UDFA! (2017 Edition)

Over the past few months, we at BSMW have tried to get Patriots watchers ready for the draft with a steady, accessible stream of info. (By the way, at my age, I've grown to appreciate a steady, accessible stream.) Anyway, from reviewing past drafts to categorizing future ones, we've tried to set you up for … Continue reading Patriots 2017 Draft Preview Review Preview Maybe

Well, we've made it to our last "That Guy" column before the draft. (Here's a link to the previous, Free Agency Frenzy Edition.) After the NFL Draft happens Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 30, one final "That Guy" will summarize the Patriots' picks. New England's selections should be fun to follow, and about as … Continue reading Patriots Draft Preview, “That Guy” Pre-Draft Edition