Patriots 2023 Season

[Celtics2021]

It’s not a shiny new toy like a QB or WR but a cornerstone LT is a huge huge piece for a rebuilding organization that pays a boatload of dividends down the road.

Unless Pats braintrust truly believes in Jaylen Daniels (or Maye if he falls to 3), the right move would be trade down a few for a premier LT and some draft capital. 

Edit: Given the potential interest in MHJ or Daniels at 3, what do you all think Pats could get in draft capital by moving down to the 7-10 range?

If they traded down to 7-10, I think there's a great chance they could get back 7-10, a 2nd round pick AND a future 1st or 2nd rounder.

FWIW Phil Perry did a second mock draft recently and how he basically has it is:

Patriots trade #68 in the draft for Justin Fields outright. Pats then trade #3 to Atlanta for #8, #43 and a 2025 Atlanta 1st. Pats take Odunze at #8, and then the Patriots trade #34 + #43 for #16 from Seattle and use #16 to take OT Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma.

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/2024-nfl-mock-draft-patriots-trade-justin-fields-rome-odunze-tyler-guyton/584638/

I like this overall approach a lot. This draft is stacked at WR and OT, to the point that these guys might go 5/10 in another draft.

Personally, I wouldn't touch Fields much less waste a top-75 pick on him. Having an extra 1st rounder next year implies we could still move around and get our choice of Mccarthy / Nix / Penix for the next 4 years instead. Then you still have #68 which is good enough for a top-3 RB or TE in the draft, or *another* OT.

Yeah it's a loaded WR/OT draft. One of the experts even said there's like 11 OTs who are likely going to go within the Top-50 picks.

Personally I'm just not high at all on Nix or McCarthy. Penix I'm a little higher on but not much, and frankly he strikes me as that guy who "rises" because a team is very QB-needy and there's always those 1 or 2 QBs who rise last minute. That scares me a bit. Otherwise I'd be fine taking him in the 2nd round. Fields is probably not elite or a franchise guy either but I'd be intrigued with him at least. He did show improvement in 2023 and is a dual-threat guy which the league is trending towards. The Bears also have a lot of other issues around them so it wasn't all his fault.

We'll see what the Pats do. Maybe they simply just love Maye or Daniels and take them at #3. Or maybe they take MHJ at #3, and trade some future picks (including the 2nd rounder) to trade up and take an OT mid to late in the 1st round.

If you’re not high on McCarthy it’s because you haven’t been paying attention.  He can make all the throws and he can run.  Michigan decided it was more important to win football games than have him put up video game numbers, and preferred to have long, grinding out drives than taking deep shots all the time, or having McCarthy risk his body on a high number of QB runs, but he can do it all.  The only real drawback is that he just turned 21 two weeks ago, and physically might be better served with one more year in the weight room before being a full-time NFL starter.  But he’s a franchise quarterback in the making, and should go in the top 16 picks.

[SparzWizard]

Today 7 years ago in Patriots history, the team came back down from 28-3 and crushed the souls of the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl.

Greatest comeback in Superbowl history.

[footey]

It’s not a shiny new toy like a QB or WR but a cornerstone LT is a huge huge piece for a rebuilding organization that pays a boatload of dividends down the road.

Unless Pats braintrust truly believes in Jaylen Daniels (or Maye if he falls to 3), the right move would be trade down a few for a premier LT and some draft capital. 

Edit: Given the potential interest in MHJ or Daniels at 3, what do you all think Pats could get in draft capital by moving down to the 7-10 range?

If they traded down to 7-10, I think there's a great chance they could get back 7-10, a 2nd round pick AND a future 1st or 2nd rounder.

FWIW Phil Perry did a second mock draft recently and how he basically has it is:

Patriots trade #68 in the draft for Justin Fields outright. Pats then trade #3 to Atlanta for #8, #43 and a 2025 Atlanta 1st. Pats take Odunze at #8, and then the Patriots trade #34 + #43 for #16 from Seattle and use #16 to take OT Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma.

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/2024-nfl-mock-draft-patriots-trade-justin-fields-rome-odunze-tyler-guyton/584638/

I like this overall approach a lot. This draft is stacked at WR and OT, to the point that these guys might go 5/10 in another draft.

Personally, I wouldn't touch Fields much less waste a top-75 pick on him. Having an extra 1st rounder next year implies we could still move around and get our choice of Mccarthy / Nix / Penix for the next 4 years instead. Then you still have #68 which is good enough for a top-3 RB or TE in the draft, or *another* OT.

Yeah it's a loaded WR/OT draft. One of the experts even said there's like 11 OTs who are likely going to go within the Top-50 picks.

Personally I'm just not high at all on Nix or McCarthy. Penix I'm a little higher on but not much, and frankly he strikes me as that guy who "rises" because a team is very QB-needy and there's always those 1 or 2 QBs who rise last minute. That scares me a bit. Otherwise I'd be fine taking him in the 2nd round. Fields is probably not elite or a franchise guy either but I'd be intrigued with him at least. He did show improvement in 2023 and is a dual-threat guy which the league is trending towards. The Bears also have a lot of other issues around them so it wasn't all his fault.

We'll see what the Pats do. Maybe they simply just love Maye or Daniels and take them at #3. Or maybe they take MHJ at #3, and trade some future picks (including the 2nd rounder) to trade up and take an OT mid to late in the 1st round.

If you’re not high on McCarthy it’s because you haven’t been paying attention.  He can make all the throws and he can run.  Michigan decided it was more important to win football games than have him put up video game numbers, and preferred to have long, grinding out drives than taking deep shots all the time, or having McCarthy risk his body on a high number of QB runs, but he can do it all.  The only real drawback is that he just turned 21 two weeks ago, and physically might be better served with one more year in the weight room before being a full-time NFL starter.  But he’s a franchise quarterback in the making, and should go in the top 16 picks.

How do you rate his pro prospects relative to the top 3? Do you think the Pats should trade back to get him; if so, where would that be safe?

[Goldstar88]

 

NESN’s Jason Ounpraseuth suggested Andy Dalton as a veteran option for the Patriots since Dalton and Van Pelt worked together with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018 and 2019. Dalton is in the twilight of his career after  just one start with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, but he could be a “fun” option for Patriots fans as Ounpraseuth pointed out.

“It would make for a fun anecdote to his interesting career, and he can be a capable passer under the right circumstances,” Ounpraseuth wrote. “This is similar to the [Baker] Mayfield option but with someone much older.”

[Vermont Green]

I am hearing reporting along these lines more and more:

A consensus may be growing regarding quarterback Justin Fields' future with the Chicago Bears.

ESPN's Matt Miller reported Monday that "everyone I spoke to at the Senior Bowl" guessed the Bears will select USC star Caleb Williams and trade Fields for potentially a second-round pick.

Even after three seasons, it might be too early to write Fields off. He threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023. Maybe a new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, helps to unlock a new level in the 24-year-old's game.

Doesn't mean there is any truth to it but I would be OK with a second round pick for Fields.  If the Pats were able to get Fields, I would probably trade #3 for multiple picks.  I am not of the belief that a single really good receiver (Harrison) moves the needle enough for a team with a lot of needs.  Trade back and stock up on OL and multiple skill positions weapons.  No need to put all your eggs in one receiver basket.

There would probably be competition for Fields if he was put on the market.  It would not be automatic that the Pats get him.

[ozgod]

Today 7 years ago in Patriots history, the team came back down from 28-3 and crushed the souls of the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl.

Greatest comeback in Superbowl history.

I was in the Bahamas for a convention when that happened...it was a 6am start the next day so when it got to that score I turned it off and went to bed. Woke up the next day and went to the convention breakfast, struck up a convo with someone from Atlanta and congratulated them for the win...he told me "what are you talking about, you guys won". Then I checked Google and realized I missed the end of a fantastic game 

[Donoghus]

Today 7 years ago in Patriots history, the team came back down from 28-3 and crushed the souls of the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl.

Greatest comeback in Superbowl history.

I was in the Bahamas for a convention when that happened...it was a 6am start the next day so when it got to that score I turned it off and went to bed. Woke up the next day and went to the convention breakfast, struck up a convo with someone from Atlanta and congratulated them for the win...he told me "what are you talking about, you guys won". Then I checked Google and realized I missed the end of a fantastic game 

One of the most insane sporting events ever.  It was the ultimate roller coaster.  Going from complete agony & despair to absolute euphoria is like an hour & a half.

I didn't enjoy one second of that game until it was actually over. 

Good chance we don't see another Super Bowl like that in our lifetimes.

[Goldstar88]

I am hearing reporting along these lines more and more:

A consensus may be growing regarding quarterback Justin Fields' future with the Chicago Bears.

ESPN's Matt Miller reported Monday that "everyone I spoke to at the Senior Bowl" guessed the Bears will select USC star Caleb Williams and trade Fields for potentially a second-round pick.

Even after three seasons, it might be too early to write Fields off. He threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023. Maybe a new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, helps to unlock a new level in the 24-year-old's game.

Doesn't mean there is any truth to it but I would be OK with a second round pick for Fields.  If the Pats were able to get Fields, I would probably trade #3 for multiple picks.  I am not of the belief that a single really good receiver (Harrison) moves the needle enough for a team with a lot of needs.  Trade back and stock up on OL and multiple skill positions weapons.  No need to put all your eggs in one receiver basket.

There would probably be competition for Fields if he was put on the market.  It would not be automatic that the Pats get him.

There’s a reason Chicago is likely moving on from Fields. He just isn’t good. Do people think Justin is going to play better throwing to Juju instead of DJ Moore? If he wasn’t very good with legitimate weapons in Chicago, how is he going to be any good in New England. The Pats do have a lot of holes and it is likely going to take multiple drafts to rebuild. Giving up draft capital for Fields would be a mistake, IMO.

[SparzWizard]

Today 7 years ago in Patriots history, the team came back down from 28-3 and crushed the souls of the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl.

Greatest comeback in Superbowl history.

I was in the Bahamas for a convention when that happened...it was a 6am start the next day so when it got to that score I turned it off and went to bed. Woke up the next day and went to the convention breakfast, struck up a convo with someone from Atlanta and congratulated them for the win...he told me "what are you talking about, you guys won". Then I checked Google and realized I missed the end of a fantastic game 

One of the most insane sporting events ever.  It was the ultimate roller coaster.  Going from complete agony & despair to absolute euphoria is like an hour & a half.

I didn't enjoy one second of that game until it was actually over. 

Good chance we don't see another Super Bowl like that in our lifetimes.

Yup. And not one but TWO 2-point conversions that needed to succeed and they both succeeded. That's crazy. Felt like making the 2-pt conversions were harder than the actual TDs.

So glad Dont'a Hightower made that strip sack and fumble. Edelman with that "Oh that's a catch!" moment. Those were the equivalent of a Mario Manningham sideline catch and David Tyree helmet catch. Wild.

[Phantom255x]

Today 7 years ago in Patriots history, the team came back down from 28-3 and crushed the souls of the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl.

Greatest comeback in Superbowl history.

I was in the Bahamas for a convention when that happened...it was a 6am start the next day so when it got to that score I turned it off and went to bed. Woke up the next day and went to the convention breakfast, struck up a convo with someone from Atlanta and congratulated them for the win...he told me "what are you talking about, you guys won". Then I checked Google and realized I missed the end of a fantastic game 

One of the most insane sporting events ever.  It was the ultimate roller coaster.  Going from complete agony & despair to absolute euphoria is like an hour & a half.

I didn't enjoy one second of that game until it was actually over. 

Good chance we don't see another Super Bowl like that in our lifetimes.

Yup. And not one but TWO 2-point conversions that needed to succeed and they both succeeded. That's crazy. Felt like making the 2-pt conversions were harder than the actual TDs.

So glad Dont'a Hightower made that strip sack and fumble. Edelman with that "Oh that's a catch!" moment. Those were the equivalent of a Mario Manningham sideline catch and David Tyree helmet catch. Wild.

Easily the best sports day of my life. From agony in the first few hours to just pure joy in the final minute + after the game.

There's been a couple of epic games in recent years like the Chiefs-Bills in the 2022 divisional round which was back and forth, and even the Pats-Chiefs in 2018. But still, I don't see how anything can top the 2nd half of this Super Bowl. Every play was monstrous and the Pats executed beautifully on almost all of them. Some luck like with the Edelman catch of course, but just magical all around. The Pats were literally down 4 scores in the 3rd quarter and came back. Unreal

[Neurotic Guy]

Today 7 years ago in Patriots history, the team came back down from 28-3 and crushed the souls of the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl.

Greatest comeback in Superbowl history.

I was in the Bahamas for a convention when that happened...it was a 6am start the next day so when it got to that score I turned it off and went to bed. Woke up the next day and went to the convention breakfast, struck up a convo with someone from Atlanta and congratulated them for the win...he told me "what are you talking about, you guys won". Then I checked Google and realized I missed the end of a fantastic game 

One of the most insane sporting events ever.  It was the ultimate roller coaster.  Going from complete agony & despair to absolute euphoria is like an hour & a half.

I didn't enjoy one second of that game until it was actually over. 

Good chance we don't see another Super Bowl like that in our lifetimes.

Yup. And not one but TWO 2-point conversions that needed to succeed and they both succeeded. That's crazy. Felt like making the 2-pt conversions were harder than the actual TDs.

So glad Dont'a Hightower made that strip sack and fumble. Edelman with that "Oh that's a catch!" moment. Those were the equivalent of a Mario Manningham sideline catch and David Tyree helmet catch. Wild.

Easily the best sports day of my life. From agony in the first few hours to just pure joy in the final minute + after the game.

There's been a couple of epic games in recent years like the Chiefs-Bills in the 2022 divisional round which was back and forth, and even the Pats-Chiefs in 2018. But still, I don't see how anything can top the 2nd half of this Super Bowl. Every play was monstrous and the Pats executed beautifully on almost all of them. Some luck like with the Edelman catch of course, but just magical all around. The Pats were literally down 4 scores in the 3rd quarter and came back. Unreal

Of course the comeback was to tie. Then they had to seal it in OT. First off, win the coin flip, score the TD. Though once they had the ball at that point it felt like no way they aren’t going to score. I wonder just how many things had to go right in that last quarter+ to win that game. 

[Moranis]

The fact that the Falcons could have taken a knee on 1st down in FG range and won the game, but instead decided to throw the ball like 3 times in a row, lost a ton of yards, and didn't get the 3 points, and yet no one really blames Shannahan and he still gets all this credit for being a genius is astonishing to me.  Same guy choked away the SB 4 years ago as well.

[A Future of Stevens]

It’s not a shiny new toy like a QB or WR but a cornerstone LT is a huge huge piece for a rebuilding organization that pays a boatload of dividends down the road.

Unless Pats braintrust truly believes in Jaylen Daniels (or Maye if he falls to 3), the right move would be trade down a few for a premier LT and some draft capital. 

Edit: Given the potential interest in MHJ or Daniels at 3, what do you all think Pats could get in draft capital by moving down to the 7-10 range?

If they traded down to 7-10, I think there's a great chance they could get back 7-10, a 2nd round pick AND a future 1st or 2nd rounder.

FWIW Phil Perry did a second mock draft recently and how he basically has it is:

Patriots trade #68 in the draft for Justin Fields outright. Pats then trade #3 to Atlanta for #8, #43 and a 2025 Atlanta 1st. Pats take Odunze at #8, and then the Patriots trade #34 + #43 for #16 from Seattle and use #16 to take OT Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma.

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/2024-nfl-mock-draft-patriots-trade-justin-fields-rome-odunze-tyler-guyton/584638/

I think something along these lines should be on the table. Do your due diligence on the QB prospects, and if you aren't in love with who ends up being at 3, get the most value possible. This plan would be right in line with the minimum value it would take to move up in a good QB class. I think I would be more interested in going Alt or Olu at 8 and getting a receiver with the 2nd rounder (or moving into the late 1st.)

The nice thing about the Falcons spot, is that two of Alt, Olu, Nabers, Odunze or Bowers will be available. I assume MHJ is pick 4 or 5 at the latest.

[jambr380]

Today 7 years ago in Patriots history, the team came back down from 28-3 and crushed the souls of the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl.

Greatest comeback in Superbowl history.

I was in the Bahamas for a convention when that happened...it was a 6am start the next day so when it got to that score I turned it off and went to bed. Woke up the next day and went to the convention breakfast, struck up a convo with someone from Atlanta and congratulated them for the win...he told me "what are you talking about, you guys won". Then I checked Google and realized I missed the end of a fantastic game 

We go to Vegas after our marathon each year and decided we would watch the game in the room rather than in a crowded atmosphere. We said f- it after the 1st half and just decided to go try and have a good time. At NYNY, it became clear that there was still a sliver of possibility. The whole place was buzzing, just a crazy amount of energy. Then OT happened, then the impossible happened.

I would have taken a nice easy win in my hotel room, but I am super-happy that I got to have one of the most memorable sports memories of my life out and about in Vegas.

[Donoghus]

Today 7 years ago in Patriots history, the team came back down from 28-3 and crushed the souls of the Atlanta Falcons in the Superbowl.

Greatest comeback in Superbowl history.

I was in the Bahamas for a convention when that happened...it was a 6am start the next day so when it got to that score I turned it off and went to bed. Woke up the next day and went to the convention breakfast, struck up a convo with someone from Atlanta and congratulated them for the win...he told me "what are you talking about, you guys won". Then I checked Google and realized I missed the end of a fantastic game 

We go to Vegas after our marathon each year and decided we would watch the game in the room rather than in a crowded atmosphere. We said f- it after the 1st half and just decided to go try and have a good time. At NYNY, it became clear that there was still a sliver of possibility. The whole place was buzzing, just a crazy amount of energy. Then OT happened, then the impossible happened.

I would have taken a nice easy win in my hotel room, but I am super-happy that I got to have one of the most memorable sports memories of my life out and about in Vegas.

What marathon do you do?