Patriots Off-Season News

[Goldstar88]

Funny quote about Milton.... if you need Milton to throw it 80 yards, he'll throw it 80 yards. If you need Milton to throw it 5 yards, he'll throw it 80 yards

Yeah, that was a funny quote. Doesn?t seem to hold true, though. Milton threw a nice screen pass with his first throw of the game last night. Has some touch.

His issue is every throw is a laser. And that includes screen passes to RBs which are dropped because he's throwing it at them 5 yards away around 90 MPH 

Maybe in college, but that hasn?t been the case in preseason.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W6GqpcgSTME&pp=ygUVam9lIG1pbHRvbiBoaWdobGlnaHRz

[Phantom255x]

Funny quote about Milton.... if you need Milton to throw it 80 yards, he'll throw it 80 yards. If you need Milton to throw it 5 yards, he'll throw it 80 yards

Yeah, that was a funny quote. Doesn?t seem to hold true, though. Milton threw a nice screen pass with his first throw of the game last night. Has some touch.

His issue is every throw is a laser. And that includes screen passes to RBs which are dropped because he's throwing it at them 5 yards away around 90 MPH 

Maybe in college, but that hasn?t been the case in preseason.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W6GqpcgSTME&pp=ygUVam9lIG1pbHRvbiBoaWdobGlnaHRz

Did you see last night though? It was definitely the case.

He had open check downs and he rifled them at the open guy who was confused lol

[Goldstar88]

Funny quote about Milton.... if you need Milton to throw it 80 yards, he'll throw it 80 yards. If you need Milton to throw it 5 yards, he'll throw it 80 yards

Yeah, that was a funny quote. Doesn?t seem to hold true, though. Milton threw a nice screen pass with his first throw of the game last night. Has some touch.

His issue is every throw is a laser. And that includes screen passes to RBs which are dropped because he's throwing it at them 5 yards away around 90 MPH 

Maybe in college, but that hasn?t been the case in preseason.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W6GqpcgSTME&pp=ygUVam9lIG1pbHRvbiBoaWdobGlnaHRz

Did you see last night though? It was definitely the case.

He had open check downs and he rifled them at the open guy who was confused lol

Yeah, Milton threw a nice soft pass on his first throw. He did have some bad throws later on, but Joe has more touch than people give him credit for.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7NIH8UuNxvo&pp=ygUVam9lIG1pbHRvbiBoaWdobGlnaHRz

[Phantom255x]

Funny quote about Milton.... if you need Milton to throw it 80 yards, he'll throw it 80 yards. If you need Milton to throw it 5 yards, he'll throw it 80 yards

Yeah, that was a funny quote. Doesn?t seem to hold true, though. Milton threw a nice screen pass with his first throw of the game last night. Has some touch.

His issue is every throw is a laser. And that includes screen passes to RBs which are dropped because he's throwing it at them 5 yards away around 90 MPH 

Maybe in college, but that hasn?t been the case in preseason.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=W6GqpcgSTME&pp=ygUVam9lIG1pbHRvbiBoaWdobGlnaHRz

Did you see last night though? It was definitely the case.

He had open check downs and he rifled them at the open guy who was confused lol

Yeah, Milton threw a nice soft pass on his first throw. He did have some bad throws later on, but Joe has more touch than people give him credit for.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7NIH8UuNxvo&pp=ygUVam9lIG1pbHRvbiBoaWdobGlnaHRz

Milton's one of those guys who loves to just bomb it out, or throw lasers even on short passes. I think he has a role in the league as a backup though, I agree I don't think he's a complete scrub and if he can tone it down a bit he can carve out a solid career.

Idk the reason but I am a bit surprised he doesn't run as often. He did in the Panthers preseason game but I feel like they could definitely run plays for him in the NFL where he can run on RPOs or designed runs (like Lamar, Cam Newton, etc.)

[Phantom255x]

There already seems to be growing cries of starting Maye Week 1 especially if he does well this week + the next preseason game while Brissett does poorly.

Personally I'd still rather just keep him out to start the year, BUT I'm a lot more open to having him maybe make his debut earlier than expected. Say, Week 5 against Miami at home? A lot of people have said November or December but if the team gets off to a poor start and Brissett doesn't look good, I don't think the team will have a choice as the fanbase and media will be all over them.

It could also give them about a month to hopefully figure out the best O-Line group and rotations.

[W8ting2McHale]

There already seems to be growing cries of starting Maye Week 1 especially if he does well this week + the next preseason game while Brissett does poorly.

Personally I'd still rather just keep him out to start the year, BUT I'm a lot more open to having him maybe make his debut earlier than expected. Say, Week 5 against Miami at home? A lot of people have said November or December but if the team gets off to a poor start and Brissett doesn't look good, I don't think the team will have a choice as the fanbase and media will be all over them.

It could also give them about a month to hopefully figure out the best O-Line group and rotations.

I don?t expect Brisset will look good. There?s a reason his nickname in Miami was ?Brisket.? He?s cooked.

Somewhere between week 5 and 7 would be my guess but I suppose it could be earlier if Maye seems ready and the team hasn?t completely failed and just needs a competent quarterback?

[Goldstar88]

There already seems to be growing cries of starting Maye Week 1 especially if he does well this week + the next preseason game while Brissett does poorly.

Personally I'd still rather just keep him out to start the year, BUT I'm a lot more open to having him maybe make his debut earlier than expected. Say, Week 5 against Miami at home? A lot of people have said November or December but if the team gets off to a poor start and Brissett doesn't look good, I don't think the team will have a choice as the fanbase and media will be all over them.

It could also give them about a month to hopefully figure out the best O-Line group and rotations.

Maye really hasn?t done much to separate himself, though. They aren?t asking him to do a whole lot and he?s not facing starters. Would be nice for them to let Drake pass a bit more in the last game. See if he can throw the ball into the end zone.

[Neurotic Guy]

There already seems to be growing cries of starting Maye Week 1 especially if he does well this week + the next preseason game while Brissett does poorly.

Personally I'd still rather just keep him out to start the year, BUT I'm a lot more open to having him maybe make his debut earlier than expected. Say, Week 5 against Miami at home? A lot of people have said November or December but if the team gets off to a poor start and Brissett doesn't look good, I don't think the team will have a choice as the fanbase and media will be all over them.

It could also give them about a month to hopefully figure out the best O-Line group and rotations.

I don?t expect Brisset will look good. There?s a reason his nickname in Miami was ?Brisket.? He?s cooked.

Somewhere between week 5 and 7 would be my guess but I suppose it could be earlier if Maye seems ready and the team hasn?t completely failed and just needs a competent quarterback?

The driving force may be much more in the hands of Brissett  and the fans than Maye.  Regardless of how Maye looks in the preseason and in practice, fans are going to go nuts if Brissett is terrible.  If Jacoby bombs in game 1, fans will already  be screaming for Maye and every subsequent home incompletion or 3 and out is going end with Maye chants.  There?s only so long something like that can sustain before Mayo has to de something. 

Game 5 if Brissett is decent (wins a game; avoids boneheaded plays and terrible INTs). But one god awful game and the timeframe to Maye shrinks.

[Phantom255x]

The sweetspot would be to bring Maye in somewhere between Weeks 8-10 (Jets, @Titans, @Bears). Basically halfway through the season, and while the Jets may be legit IF Rodgers stays healthy I still think the timing works well to incorporate Maye whether it's at home against NYJ or on the road against two other projected mediocre teams.

With that said, I think if the team starts poorly AND Brissett looks bad, there could be a ton of pressure on the Krafts and Pats FO to put Maye in around Week 5.

It makes no sense to play Maye any other week besides Week 5 or 8-10 UNLESS Brissett gets hurt and they got no choice. If Maye doesn't start Week 1 which we all expect, then Week 5 seems like the earliest next date. Also no way they have him debut in the London game lol (Week 7)

[Goldstar88]

When asked what's holding him back from giving the No. 3 overall pick more reps with New England's starting offense, Van Pelt gave a straightforward response.

"Jacoby. Right now he's our starting quarterback," Van Pelt replied.

Van Pelt insisted the QB competition is very much open, and that there's "a chance" Maye could overtake Brissett if he plays well in the Patriots' preseason finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. But the veteran offensive coordinator prefers playing the long game with Maye rather than rushing him into action.

"I'm sure there's a chance (Maye could become the starter), but I think as you go in, there's still a process of how you bring a rookie quarterback along," Van Pelt said. "So I think that's important to remember as well.

"There's certain things in this offense that Jacoby, having played in this offense, understands some of the tools you can use to get you out of certain situations, pressure situations, things like that, that Drake is still learning.

"He has really been impressive the last two weeks in practice and in the game, and he's moving in the right direction, for sure. But again, a rookie quarterback coming in and playing -- obviously Jacoby has tons of experience, not just in the NFL but in this system, and we've won games with him in Cleveland, so I feel comfortable with his understanding (of the offense)."

[Vermont Green]

I have been following various roster projections.  The one below is from CBS Sports, but they are all more or less the same at this point.  Boutte vs. Thornton seems to vary, but otherwise, this seems to be settling in pretty much.

I am surprised that they would have so many on defense, in particular 8 LB?  15 total for the front 7 (some only have 14 for DL/LB)?  That seems like more than needed, especially since teams play so many nickel and dime formations where it is more of a front 6 or front 5.  7 CB seems like a lot also, 11 total for CB+S (some have 12 for DB+S).  I suppose some of these can play both CB and S.  They probably play mostly with 5 DB, sometimes 4, sometimes 6.

I would be inclined to keep another receiver, right now, most projections have this at 6.  Sometimes you play with 5 receivers.  One in game injury and it may limit the sets you can run.  Almost every projection though, has 6 WR, 3 TE, 4 RB.  That is 13 spots for 5 on the field at any time.

Quarterback (3)
Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton III

Running back (4)
Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty

Wide receiver (6)
DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor, Kayshon Boutte

Tight end (3)
Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell

Offensive line (8)
Mike Onwenu, Caedan Wallace, David Andrews, Chukwuma Okorafor, Sidy Sow, Vederian Lowe, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett

Defensive line (7)
Keion White, Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux, Armon Watts, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms, Trysten Hill

Linebacker (8)
Ja'Whaun Bentley, Anfernee Jennings, Jahlani Tavai, Josh Uche, Oshane Ximines, Raekwon McMillan, Christian Ellis, Joe Giles-Harris.

Cornerback (7)
Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Isaiah Bolden, Marco Wilson, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade

Safety (4)
Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler

Special teams (3)
Joey Slye, Joe Cardona, Bryce Baringer

[Vermont Green]

I found this, thought is was interesting.  So for the average:

OL:         9.1
Front 7   15.2
CB/S      10.2
Skill       13.2

That still seems like a lot for the "front 7" when you play most of the game with less than 7.

[BitterJim]

I have been following various roster projections.  The one below is from CBS Sports, but they are all more or less the same at this point.  Boutte vs. Thornton seems to vary, but otherwise, this seems to be settling in pretty much.

I am surprised that they would have so many on defense, in particular 8 LB?  15 total for the front 7 (some only have 14 for DL/LB)?  That seems like more than needed, especially since teams play so many nickel and dime formations where it is more of a front 6 or front 5.  7 CB seems like a lot also, 11 total for CB+S (some have 12 for DB+S).  I suppose some of these can play both CB and S.  They probably play mostly with 5 DB, sometimes 4, sometimes 6.

I would be inclined to keep another receiver, right now, most projections have this at 6.  Sometimes you play with 5 receivers.  One in game injury and it may limit the sets you can run.  Almost every projection though, has 6 WR, 3 TE, 4 RB.  That is 13 spots for 5 on the field at any time.

Quarterback (3)
Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton III

Running back (4)
Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty

Wide receiver (6)
DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor, Kayshon Boutte

Tight end (3)
Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell

Offensive line (
Mike Onwenu, Caedan Wallace, David Andrews, Chukwuma Okorafor, Sidy Sow, Vederian Lowe, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett

Defensive line (7)
Keion White, Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux, Armon Watts, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms, Trysten Hill

Linebacker (
Ja'Whaun Bentley, Anfernee Jennings, Jahlani Tavai, Josh Uche, Oshane Ximines, Raekwon McMillan, Christian Ellis, Joe Giles-Harris.

Cornerback (7)
Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Isaiah Bolden, Marco Wilson, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade

Safety (4)
Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler

Special teams (3)
Joey Slye, Joe Cardona, Bryce Baringer

Some "position players" are also there primarily for their value on Special Teams, with their ability to play a position more of a bonus than an actual measure of depth. Brenden Shooler is about as likely to play a snap at Safety as Matthew Slater was at WR, so I wouldn't really count him as depth there.

Actually he's less likely than Slater, Schooler has played only 2 non-ST snaps in his career while Slater played significantly more non-ST snaps every year except his last.

[BitterJim]

I found this, thought is was interesting.  So for the average:

OL:         9.1
Front 7   15.2
CB/S      10.2
Skill       13.2

That still seems like a lot for the "front 7" when you play most of the game with less than 7.

I wonder how that trend looks over time, it'd be interesting to see if CBs have been slowly replacing the front 7 (and WRs/TEs replacing RBs)

[Phantom255x]

Mac Jones lighting it up again. Goes to show what a great O-Line and weapons can do for you. Again, I don't think he's an elite QB but I also don't think he was "worse than all other 31 starting QBs" level bad. The Pats just had a horrible O-Line, no elite receivers and poor coaching (Patricia, Judge, and even Belichick slipped in recent years).

I'm watching some of the game and he's making throws that I don't think he could in New England because he had no time to throw AND the receivers for JAX are actually catching them (not like Devante Parker or JuJu Smith-Schuster just dropping them)