Patriots 2023 Season

[Neurotic Guy]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

They could have resigned Meyers AND added Hopkins easily enough. And even one additional decent o-lineman woukd have helped. Maybe an actual right tsckle. What we've been witnessing is GM malpractice.

I don’t think what’s happened this year was Bill’s strategy, but if a terrible season produces a franchise QB then things like not signing Meyers, not signing Hopkins, and not strengthening the O-line were essential.  From late game INTs to feet just out of bounds (Boutie; Parker) this team is inches away from being 6-6 rather than 2-10.  Any one of the aforementioned moves might have been enough to have given this team too many wins.  The most important position in all of sports is on the line - and at this moment we’re in position to get a promising prospect. Just 5 losses away. Unintentional as it was - nice going GM Bill. 

[green_bballers13]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

They could have resigned Meyers AND added Hopkins easily enough. And even one additional decent o-lineman woukd have helped. Maybe an actual right tsckle. What we've been witnessing is GM malpractice.

I've been saying this stuff for 2 years.  Glad to see others have finally come around.  Bill is a horrid GM and is not a good head coach at this point.  Still a great defensive coach, he just can't run the show.  If he does leave New England for another job this summer, that will bear itself out again.

The only impressive aspect to your posting about the Patriots is your lack of self awareness. You said you were right about your prediction last year when you were wrong. In the Bad Takes thread, you told us about your good takes. I imagine that you'll say you were right when FSU gets beat badly by Georgia in their bowl game. I honestly wish I had your confidence.

[A Future of Stevens]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

This would be my plan if they fall to pick 3 or 4. I also love Olu from Penn. I think he has franchise LT written all over him. If you are in the top two slots, you should just secure access to the elite QB prospect. Everyone focuses on Williams, but from what I have seen and heard, Maye would be the 1st QB taken in most drafts. 6'4 mobile QB with a cannon that throws a feathery ball to all 3 levels.

It is important to get elite receiving help, and our team is terrible at getting elite receivers the last few years. It is still harder to get a good QB. I would rather go QB at 2, OT at late 1st or early 2nd, and try to sign a great WR (Evans would be nice.) If that blows up, draft a receiver in the 1st next year.

Edit: If this was a typical QB year with one "elite" prospect, and we missed that tier, I would opt for the tackle or receiver. I just think if we are in position NOW to swing on a blue chip QB, you should do that. Even if the Patriots are terrible next year, we would probably not be in position to draft the best QB in the draft. I would prefer to not settle for the second or 3rd tier of guys.

[Moranis]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

They could have resigned Meyers AND added Hopkins easily enough. And even one additional decent o-lineman woukd have helped. Maybe an actual right tsckle. What we've been witnessing is GM malpractice.

I've been saying this stuff for 2 years.  Glad to see others have finally come around.  Bill is a horrid GM and is not a good head coach at this point.  Still a great defensive coach, he just can't run the show.  If he does leave New England for another job this summer, that will bear itself out again.

The only impressive aspect to your posting about the Patriots is your lack of self awareness. You said you were right about your prediction last year when you were wrong. In the Bad Takes thread, you told us about your good takes. I imagine that you'll say you were right when FSU gets beat badly by Georgia in their bowl game. I honestly wish I had your confidence.

I never said my win prediction was correct, I said my rationale for my win prediction was correct, which it was (i.e. that they were a bad offensive team that lacked playmakers and when they faced the better offenses in the back half of the schedule that the losses would pile up,  that Bill was a bad GM who put together a poor roster, and that while still an all time great defensive coach, Bill was no longer a good head coach).   Obviously I underestimated their win total, though Murray getting hurt and them facing a 3rd string Dolphins QB (as well as Sam Ehrlinger instead of Matt Ryan), made those offenses not nearly as good and the Pats ended up winning those games, which took them from 5 to 8 wins (maybe they beat the Cardinals and Colts anyway, but it seems clear they wouldn't have beaten the Dolphins had Tua played).

As for college, I haven’t made a prediction in any game on here. I only theorized that if FSU won, they may make a claim as champion. I never predicted a FSU win.  In fact, I expect Georgia to win, but FSU is absolutely the more motivated team of those 2 and that usually makes for an interesting game. If I was betting, I'd take the points as 13.5 is a big number and FSU has an excellent defense and will be motivated. I do think FSU should be in the playoff, but that is no where near the same thing as what you are suggesting.

[Goldstar88]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

[Moranis]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

[Goldstar88]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next season, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

[Moranis]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does. 

[Roy H.]

Would / should the Pays move up to #1 if the cost is modest?  For instance, a #2 and a future #4?

[Goldstar88]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

[green_bballers13]

I agree that the Patriots might be better off trading back, but I'm not sure Caleb Williams or Drake Maye are generational talents. I don't know how any of us can say that, given their teams' records (7-5 and 8-4). If their college teams aren't that good and they can't will them to victory, how will they do so with the Bears or Patriots?

I think Marvin Harrison, Olu Fashanu or Joe Alt all make more sense. Hopefully they can trade down to pick up more assets. I'd rather go after the sure-thing prospect and sign a filler QB before striking out again on QB in the 1st round.

[Donoghus]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

[celticsclay]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

They could have resigned Meyers AND added Hopkins easily enough. And even one additional decent o-lineman woukd have helped. Maybe an actual right tsckle. What we've been witnessing is GM malpractice.

I've been saying this stuff for 2 years.  Glad to see others have finally come around.  Bill is a horrid GM and is not a good head coach at this point.  Still a great defensive coach, he just can't run the show.  If he does leave New England for another job this summer, that will bear itself out again.

The only impressive aspect to your posting about the Patriots is your lack of self awareness. You said you were right about your prediction last year when you were wrong. In the Bad Takes thread, you told us about your good takes. I imagine that you'll say you were right when FSU gets beat badly by Georgia in their bowl game. I honestly wish I had your confidence.

I never said my win prediction was correct, I said my rationale for my win prediction was correct, which it was (i.e. that they were a bad offensive team that lacked playmakers and when they faced the better offenses in the back half of the schedule that the losses would pile up,  that Bill was a bad GM who put together a poor roster, and that while still an all time great defensive coach, Bill was no longer a good head coach).   Obviously I underestimated their win total, though Murray getting hurt and them facing a 3rd string Dolphins QB (as well as Sam Ehrlinger instead of Matt Ryan), made those offenses not nearly as good and the Pats ended up winning those games, which took them from 5 to 8 wins (maybe they beat the Cardinals and Colts anyway, but it seems clear they wouldn't have beaten the Dolphins had Tua played).

As for college, I haven’t made a prediction in any game on here. I only theorized that if FSU won, they may make a claim as champion. I never predicted a FSU win.  In fact, I expect Georgia to win, but FSU is absolutely the more motivated team of those 2 and that usually makes for an interesting game. If I was betting, I'd take the points as 13.5 is a big number and FSU has an excellent defense and will be motivated. I do think FSU should be in the playoff, but that is no where near the same thing as what you are suggesting.

Mo I don’t want to bag on you, but surely as a 40 year old man you realize saying “my prediction was wrong but my reasoning was great” is something a 5 year old would say right?

[celticsclay]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

Why wouldn’t we want a qb though? It seems pretty clear zappe or jones isn’t a long term solution. Trade for minshew or something else? They should probably take a qb

[green_bballers13]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

Why wouldn’t we want a qb though? It seems pretty clear zappe or jones isn’t a long term solution. Trade for minshew or something else? They should probably take a qb

I'd take Minshew and try to build the lines up, like San Fran/Philly. Or draft Harrison, who might be better than Deebo or AJ Brown. Drafting a qb and missing would be brutal.