So Im Bored You Know

Due to minimum staffing at work and it being all slow and crap. I saw a mock draft that had the Pats taking a QB in round one. Daniel Jones QB Duke. So I started watching film on the kid, he looks pretty damn good, and I have no issues taking a QB late round 1.

Saw another draft where they have the Pats taking the TE from Bama. Interesting how two different drafts note these two key positions as needing replacement. This draft also has the taking the QB from N. Western in round 2

I'm suddenly feeling like Brady is hanging them up at the end of this year. Probably Gronk too. If that were to happen, it sure will be interesting to see what BB does to replace Brady.

On a side note, I was really hoping we'd get more out of the Hollister kid at TE.

Where did they have Will Greer go?

sharkymcwrath said:

I'm suddenly feeling like Brady is hanging them up at the end of this year. Probably Gronk too. If that were to happen, it sure will be interesting to see what BB does to replace Brady.

On a side note, I was really hoping we'd get more out of the Hollister kid at TE.

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Ehh...Brady has a few more in him.
I doubt Gronk does though.

I agree with the sentiment about Hollister.

If TB does call it quits then get a QB from FA. Don't waste a 1st or a 2nd on either of those QBs.

Assuming Gronk and Brady retire that frees up a lot of money to go get that QB.

Give Hollister a little more time. He won't be the next Gronk but he should be serviceable if he can stay healthy?

NWPATSFAN said:

If TB does call it quits then get a QB from FA. Don't waste a 1st or a 2nd on either of those QBs.

Assuming Gronk and Brady retire that frees up a lot of money to go get that QB.

Give Hollister a little more time. He won't be the next Gronk but he should be serviceable if he can stay healthy?

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But if you grab that QB in the first you get that lower salary hit and the extra year on the rookie contract right? I don't think TB leaves this year I think next year so if the QB of interest is there I say take him.

Since we're all guessing, I guess, I'll guess.

This year has been a mess. It started back in the spring when Gronk and Brady made the decision to sit out all of the voluntary mini camps and OTAs.Gronk said he was considering whether or not to retire but it's been reported that BB was considering trading him. Was Brady involved? No one knows and not one media guy up here says he was with 100% certainty. Supposedly Gronk said he would retire for real if he was dealt and his value plummeted.

Brady said he wanted more time with his family. He certainly did that in europe and the middle east and making sure everyone saw him throwing a football between hundred million dollar boats. Missing those camps may have been the first crack in the 20 year relationship between Brady and Belichick.

Belichick did little to nothing to improve the offense in the off season other than get Trent Brown. He traded Brandin Cooks and didn't replace him knowing full weel that Edelman was out for the first four games. He brought in a bunch of used tires that didn't fit the car let alone the wheel.

The season started with a win over the Texans and things looked like they might be okay. Week two was payback for an embarassing playoff loss for the Jags. They were hyped to the top of their game and they came for the pats and it cost them dearly. They lost three starters for the year and have been a shawdow ever since. The Pats were stunned and got their asses handed to them in Detroit by their former defensivecoordinator who knew exactly what the Patriots would and could do and had an answer for everything. It woke up the Patriots and they didn't lose again until Nov.11 against the Titans where they just played flat. During that six game win streak, they never once played with their complete starting offense or defense.

That brings us to now and the Patriots are 7-3 and the only thing between them and a home bye in the playoffs are the Pittsburgh Steelers, who they can eliminate three weeks from now. That game is in Pittsburgh so the Patriots will have to bring their A game.

Let's take a quick look at the three top contenders in the AFC.....

KC: Bye, @Oakland, Baltimore, LA Chargers, Oakland, @seattle
Pitt: @Denver, LA Chargers, @Oakland, PATRIOTS, @New Orleans, Cincinnati
NE: @NYJ, Minnesota, @Miami, @PITTSBURGH, Buffalo, NYJ

If the Pats can sweep, they could be home throughout. KC has two games that will challenge the hell out of their offense because Baltimore and Seattle have very good defenses. Neither will be looking to get into a shootout with the Chiefs. Even in a shootout Mahomes gave up the ball five times and he can't do that against teams that don't want to play Arena ball. The Steelers have a miserable schedule remaining. They have to go on the road against Denver who is starting to find ways to win and are still tough to beat in Denver. Then the Chargers who are trying to catch the Chiefs and could do it if the Chiefs stumble at all. That and the Chargers are playing very good defense. The Steelers get a break but are on the road against the Raiders. Then they have two really tough games at home against the Pats and then at the Saints. Finally they finish the year against the bengals who never give them a freebie.

I'll guess this:

1. Patriots 13-3 (Home Field)
2. KC 13-3
3. Houston 12-4
4. Pitts 12-4
5. LAC 12-4
6. Ind. 10-6

I'll also guess that Brady and Gronk will have a great playoff run and they will return for the final years of their contracts and 2019 will be the end of the Tom Brady Era. He will have passed all of Manning's marks and I think that is the one other compelling factor in his desire to continue playing.

**Note** - Even ESPN made a note that Peyton Manning and Drew Brees played half of their careers indoors and asked what their stats would be if they played 90% of their games in uncontrolled climates. That is what what maks Brady's accomplishments so incredible. That and the fct that 40% of his games have been played in temps under 40 degrees.

I think that this thread may be a year early.

It has been a trying year for the Pats. I believe years of physical abuse have had their effect on Gronk, as his back and knees are beginning to fail him. He is still one of the top tight ends in the NFL and is capable of having great games down the stretch this year. TB is still TB and should likewise be solid down the stretch. But capable replacements for both players are needed soon. I look for both players to have another 1-2 years of solid play, barring injuries or retirement. There are several solid TE's in the upcoming draft and I would be shocked if BB didn't pick one early. At QB, I have always been intrigued with Clayton Thorson, who could be available as late as the 3rd round. My biggest short term concern is Duane Allen missing the next few games. That reduces the already thin depth at TE and puts more pressure on Gronk. It is time for Hollister to step up. If he doesn't, Gronk is standing out there by himself at TE.

Sign Teddy Bridgewater. Draft Albert Okwuegbunam. Back them up by signing a vet FA TE like Jesse James and drafting a QB like Greer, Jones, or Thorson, as well. Boom. Both positions re-stocked in one off-season. You're welcome.

Shoeshine Boy said:

Sign Teddy Bridgewater. Draft Albert Okwuegbunam. Back them up by signing a vet FA TE like Jesse James and drafting a QB like Greer, Jones, or Thorson, as well. Boom. Both positions re-stocked in one off-season. You're welcome.

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Well I don't want Bridgewater thats for sure.

Why not? He's a hell of a lot more ready to step in and run an NFL team in 2019 than anybody in this draft class.

Shoeshine Boy said:

Why not? He's a hell of a lot more ready to step in and run an NFL team in 2019 than anybody in this draft class.

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Because there is no need, TB will likely play at least one more year, they already have Hoyer who knows the system, they took Ettling last year late in the draft so if the draft a QB early this year there would be no need for (5) QBs.

And I just don't think he's all that good.

Oh, well I was operating under the premise stated upthread that this is it for Brady and Gronk and they'd need to be replaced for next year.

Presuming they both return, then I'm all for using early picks on future replacements.

Agree to disagree on Bridgewater....sure he's not a running threat and doesn't have a cannon arm, but you could say that about Brady, too. Not that Bridgewater is Brady by any stretch, but everything else that goes into being a good QB he has...accuracy, decision making, footwork in the pocket, leadership, toughness...he's a guy you can win with, IMO. I think he'd fit well in McDaniels' offense.

BigKen said:

I'll also guess that Brady and Gronk will have a great playoff run and they will return for the final years of their contracts and 2019 will be the end of the Tom Brady Era.
I think that this thread may be a year early.

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I hope your right.

YankeeRebel said:

But if you grab that QB in the first you get that lower salary hit and the extra year on the rookie contract right? I don't think TB leaves this year I think next year so if the QB of interest is there I say take him.

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True you can get that 5th year option. I just don't think either are a franchise QB. But if BB, Ernie and company do who am I to second guess them. If you go after a FA QB you know what you're getting and they will have the cap if both TB and Gronk left.

I'm with you I think TB is playing one more year as long as this season doesn't get any worse and there is no locker room/FO drama like last seasons rumors.

Yankee Traveler said:

Ehh...Brady has a few more in him.
I doubt Gronk does though.

I agree with the sentiment about Hollister.

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sharkymcwrath said:

I'm suddenly feeling like Brady is hanging them up at the end of this year. Probably Gronk too. If that were to happen, it sure will be interesting to see what BB does to replace Brady.

On a side note, I was really hoping we'd get more out of the Hollister kid at TE.

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Jacob Hollister feels stronger after early setbacks