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
Pats Draft 2017: Combine Snubs Who Showed ‘Em, Part I
Every year, over 300 college athletes get invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. There, they go under the proverbial (and sometimes literal) microscopes of pro football personnel, getting interviewed, tested, poked, and prodded to prove their potential worth to a franchise. And they're considered the lucky ones. For every invitee there exist multiple snubs, … Continue reading Pats Draft 2017: Combine Snubs Who Showed ‘Em, Part I
Patriots Draft Preview, “That Guy” Free Agency Frenzy Edition
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
Patriots Draft Preview, “That Guy” Combine 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
Patriots Super Bowl 51 Review, With Perspective
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
Patriots Pre-Draft Roster Roundout
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
Round-By-Round Review, Pats Draft 2017
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
With A Little Bit Of Luck (2017 Edition)
Welcome to our annually updated column reviewing how every Super Bowl champion during the Patriots' run has needed some good fortune along the way. After New England's stunning comeback on February 5, we might have to rename the column to "With A Little Bit Of – HOLY HABANEROS THEY DID IT!" Did the Patriots get … Continue reading With A Little Bit Of Luck (2017 Edition)
Patriots Thursday Observations, “It’s Not Over Yet” Review
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
Patriots Thursday Observations, “That Guy” (Senior Bowl)
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)
