RAPID REACTION TO SURPRISE CUTS !

Well Bill Belichick and the Patriots did it again when they stunned Patriot Nation in  releasing some big names from the squad earlier today to get down to the NFL regulated 53 man roster for the 9 pm deadline.  The Patriots are known to not hold sentiment to players however some of the moves made many scratch their heads.  The Patriots are one of the most successful organizations in the NFL because they have been known to make the tough decisions when they need to.  The Patriots remind us this is a business and Bill Belichick does “What’s best for his football team.”  Let’s take a deeper look into some of the shocking cuts from today’s cut down.

Brian Hoyer- Hoyer has been the primary backup to Tom Brady since going undrafted out of Michigan State in 2009.  Hoyer was known for mostly for his short passing attack and struggled with his arm strength.  Hoyer was slightly undersized at Quarterback standing at 6’2.  Mallett was then drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft and has ideal Quarterback height at 6’6.  Mallet has a much stronger arm than Hoyer and has a much better deep passing game-however, Mallett seemed to have struggled with his accuracy over the pre-season.  Bill Belichick said the #2 Quarterback race was “tight”.  Both got about equal snaps in the pre-season and both appeared to have their ups and downs.  If you asked me who would have gotten the job I would have guessed Hoyer just because he has been in the Patriots system and knows the offense.  Clearly, I was mistaken and the Pats took the more talented Mallett who is only 24 entering his second season in the NFL and is now Tom Brady’s backup.  Mallett will continue to develop and hone his skills under one of the best Quarterbacks in the NFL.  Still it is more shocking to me that the Patriots couldn’t get a deal for Hoyer.  I fully expect Hoyer to get scooped up somewhere in the next week.  I hear the Jets need a Quarterback.

Dan Koppen- I was shocked the Patriots actually brought him back in the first place earlier this offseason.  My initial thought was he was brought back to star at center so that Dan Connolly would start at guard.  While Brian Waters ponders retirement, maybe this is a sign that Waters will be back for another season moving Connolly on the inside.  Another note Waters’ locker has been intact the way he left it all summer long.  Koppen has been solid in his career with New England and has been Brady’s center since being drafted in 2003.  He is now 32 and unemployed with less than a week until the season starts. 

James Ihedigbo- I am not so surprised here.  Ihedigbo I thought was a great depth signing but he isn’t a big factor on special teams, and would only be a back-up behind Chung, Gregory, Wilson, and at this point the emerging Nate Ebner. I really think being knicked up most of training camp also wasn’t a great thing for Ihedigbo as it allowed other guys to pass him out on the depth chart.  A shame he couldn’t make it but opens the door for the younger guys.

Deion Branch- This one absolutely floored me.  I am still trying to get over this one.  Branch was just re-signed for a one year deal this past March.  I thought for sure he was as close to a lock as you could get behind Welker and Lloyd, but again I was proven wrong.  Branch isn’t what he used to be.  I totally get it but Branch has a connection with Tom Brady that I’m not sure any other player (maybe Welker) on the Patriots has.  Branch isn’t as fast as he used to be or maybe not even as talented, but Branch is a good solid wide receiver that knows the offense inside and out and is a great route runner.-couple that with the fact that Deion is one of the quarterback’s favorite and most dependable targets.  Oh, or how about the veteran leadership he brings to the locker room? I thought for sure Branch would be a quality #3 wide receiver.  If you told me Jesse Holley would make the team and Deion Branch would get cut yesterday I would have laughed in your face but it’s real.  Very real.  The Patriots went from having one of the deepest wide receiver positions in the NFL to now having what looks to be one of the more thin ones.  Maybe the Patriots don’t need to be deep at wide receiver.  The Patriots will have Welker and Branch at receiver, and Gronk and Hernandez.  The Patriots still have plenty targets so I am not worried about that.  The shock is the fact that Branch was cut and behind Lloyd and Welker there are unproven guys leaving us all with a ton of questions.  There are a few AFC East teams that are hurting for quality receivers.  It would disgust me-yet not surprise me- if Branch landed elsewhere in the AFC East.

So looking back at some of the big named cuts it appears the Patriots are trying to get younger.  At each of those players’ positions they were released for younger talent.  Will it pay off? Time will tell.  How do you feel about the Patriots moves? Do you agree? Disagree? Fill up the comments section below and tell me what you think ! Stay tuned to Premium Pats as we monitor addition cuts leading up to the 9pm deadline tonight!  Follow me on Twitter @MikeOnofrio!

GIANTS-PATRIOTS OBSERVATIONS

First off let me just start by saying I live in Connecticut.  If you don’t know where Connecticut is, well then you’re a moron but Connecticut is sandwiched smack dab in between New York and Boston.  I will say a good portion of this state are primarily Giants fans which makes us Pats fans super scarce-even though I am a hair over 2 hours away from Boston.  I also come from a family that unfortunately is a bunch of rowdy Giants fans. I know it is terrible isn’t it? Before I get ahead of myself let’s rewind back a bit.

 I remember going over to my Grandma and Grandpa’s house when I was younger and I would find my Grandpa in the living room on the couch watching the Giants game.  I never was really interested in football then, but I was always amazed how my Grandfather would sit on the sofa for hours literally glued to the TV to watch guys run up and down a field. It just perplexed me. I found zero interest in it at all.  Little did I know long after the Power Rangers were canceled and wrestling would go PG and grow stale that I would fall in love with the game of football.  Not only have I fallen in love with the game of football I have fallen in love with the New England Patriots-NOT the New York Giants.  Why not the Giants you might be pondering?  Like any young kid commonly does, I liked the Patriots colors. Seems simple, but when you are young simple is what matters. When you grow up, get a job, and have to step into the real world’s constant grind- that is when things start to become complicated. If only things were always that simple. I remember watching the Patriots in Super Bowl in 1997 fall to a young Brett Favre and his Green Bay Packers.  That was enough to detour me away from football as an impatient young lad.  After that I took a 10 year hiatus from the Patriots and football until the 2007 season.  The hype of the Patriots acquiring Moss, Welker and Thomas was enough to get my interest flowing. I watched the Super Bowl every year but I simply wasn’t interested.  Of course I rooted for the Patriots but I wasn’t passionate about football.  I guess I grew up, and since that point I have been an absolute football freak.  Everyone has their addiction and the New England Patriots are mine.  I love everything about them.  I love the way they conduct themselves on and off the field. I love that I am fortunately apart of New England living in Connecticut. I love that no matter what they do the best they can to win football games.  The Patriots don’t care what your name is, if you play for them you are just a cog in the wheel.  The Patriots are one of the most successful franchises in all of sports and the Patriots exemplify what it means to be a professional, to be a leader, and to be a winner. 

Fast forward and now I anticipate great debates at any family function to take on my family and tell them why my team is the best in the NFL, however since I have gotten seriously into football, my family has had every reason to chuckle and throw it in my face why I should have been a Giants fan.

My cousin is an avid Giants fan and season ticket holder and last night I had the opportunity to go check out the Giants/Patriots pre-season game at the new Met Life Stadium in New Jersey on his behalf and generosity. So, I would like to take the time to thank him for the great time and also the chance to once again watch his team once again beat mine.  Now I know it is just the preseason and it does not count and yes most of our starters were benched but it seems that the Patriots are just completely and utterly anemic when they face the New York Giants.  The Patriots can be on their A game all season long and when they face the Giants- they pack it in.  I am convinced the Giants are the Patriots kryptonite that that is a completely different rant that I don’t think anyone wants to hear so let’s get to my observations!

GIANTS 6 – PATRIOTS 3

First off the announcer at Met Life sounded like he came out of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts with his British accent.  The guy’s voice was legendary.  I am not sure if he is the regular announcer for game day or if he was filling in but If John Rourke ever retires I would love to hear this British guy announce “That’s good for a Patriots-First Down!”  I am getting goose bumps thinking about it.

 There were a few positives I must say about the game and one of them was the Patriots second team defense.  I thought they looked pretty solid. With most of the core starters sitting on the bench I thought it really gave a lot of the younger players a chance to show what they could do and I thought they delivered in that respect.  Obviously the teams were both running very vanilla game plans but the Patriots seemed to be getting consistent pressure.  This can be said for multiple people.  I felt like the Patriots did a great job eliminating the big plays. The Giants first and second teams really struggled to get things going against the Patriots all night.

Here are a few thoughts about a few players on the defense from last night.

Jermaine Cunningham- Has he been re-born or what?! The guy has looked great in training camp and it looks like he is ready to make great strides in his third year here in New England.  Many were writing Cunningham off and had him on the bubble but I think it is clear that Cunningham has certainly locked down a roster spot and that could maybe even develop into a starting spot.  Cunningham carried over his pressures from the other pre-season games and recorded 3 tackles, 2 solo and 2 sacks.  If Cunningham can bring this to his game now I think the Patriots will have a very nice rotation on the line heading into the season with another pre-season standout- rookie Chandler Jones, as well as veterans Rob Ninkovich, and Trevor Scott.  This line could finally have the ingredients it needs after years of mixing and matching on the edge.

Mike Rivera-Who is this guy?  The Patriots need someone to step up and be able to contribute with Dane Fletcher going down for the year and this guy certainly looks like he can contribute.  Rivera recorded a game high of 11 solo tackles and 1 assisted tackle.  Rivera is only 26 and was undrafted out of Kansas.  Since 2009 he has spent time on 5 different clubs being The Bears, Titans, Packers Dolphins, and now the Pats.  The guy seemed to be all over last night, and again I won’t get too excited since it was against 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th string guys but it is certainly worth noting and pondering if the Patriots have something with the young journeyman.

Tavon Wilson/Nate Ebner- Both of these guys really looked good and although the stats don’t show it they seemed to be steady and around the ball all night.  I am continuously impressed with Ebner especially.  A former star rugby player last season and coming into the NFL as a rookie I thought it was a long shot he would be able to translate his game to football but he has been doing just that and proving me wrong.  Ebner continues to hone his skills and almost came away with an interception at one point.  Ebner plays with a hard nose and displays his tackling ability on special teams.  Ebner will make the 53 and will make an impact I think virtually wherever the Patriots line him up either on defense or special teams.  Ebner can ball.

Now, here are some thought on the offense.

Ryan Mallett/Brian Hoyer-  Both looked to really struggle last night.  I didn’t see a lot to show a ton of confidence in either but I will best sum it up like this.  Ryan Mallett I think has the raw tools to be a good solid NFL Quarterback.  Seeing him live at practice and training camp/ pre-season he has a rifle of an arm or as John Gruden has named him “Rifle Man” .  While Mallett has the prototypical size you look for in a Quarterback and throws a beautiful ball, Mallet struggles with his accuracy.  He is very inconsistent.  Brian Hoyer on the other hand knows the system better and is a bit more accurate but struggles with his deep ball. Both have issues with their consistency and it is no wonder Bill Belichick said the competition for the #2 slot behind Brady is tight.

Jeff Demps- The Patriots really got a hard look at Demps Wednesday night utilizing him all over the field.  Demps returned kicks/punts, got work at runningback, and even lined up as a receiver.  This guy is super intriguing to me factoring in both his Olympic speed and position versatility.   I loved seeing all the different possibilities Demps presents but his biggest role with the Pats will likely be in the return game.  I thought you obviously could tell he has the elite speed, I just felt like he was over thinking it.  A lot of his moves weren’t sharp, and you could tell he hasn’t played football in a while.  That rust should wear off with time and I think he could be a valuable and dangerous weapon for this team. Rumor is the Patriots might put him on IR and let him develop his skills for next season, I hope they don’t even as he sits now he is the team’s best kick returner.  There is no reason he can’t contribute this season.  The guy just won a silver medal in the Olympics! Throw him into the fire and let’s see what the kid can do for our return game!

Brandon Bolden- I am not certain how I feel about Bolden.  Bolden will make a good play and the next play he is fumbling kicks.  It is very frustrating to watch Bolden because you never know what you are going to get out of him.  I like Bolden a lot.  I feel he has great size for a back and it sets him apart from the rest of the backs on the roster however he shoots himself in the foot.  Bolden finished the night with 15 rushes for 59 yards as well as 3 receptions for 16 yards.  My gut says he makes the squad but I wouldn’t be shocked if he didn’t.  Bolden says he “left it all out on the field” and gave it “110%”.  I suppose we will find out tomorrow if coaching feels the same way.

Other notes-

Zoltan Mesko- Don’t Mess With the Zoltan!  Zoltan I thought looked great even though Weatherford showed him up with what appeared to be a 70 yard punt early in the second quarter.  Zoltan pinned the Giants back deep all night and looks to be better than ever.  Patriots fans should be excited with their punter.  As Bill Belichick says there are 3 phases of the game and the kicking game is crucial.  Mesko determines where the opposing offense will start their drive on the field.  If Mesko can pin them deep that is a huge advantage for the Patriots.

The replacement referees were absolutely dreadful.  The refs were arguing over calls and at one point in the game as I am sure most of you saw on tv, the referees took 6 minutes or so just to get the call out.  Both coaches appeared to be flustered with the refs as was Met Life which showered the ref with boos! Roger Goodell and the players association are so worried about player safety yet they refuse to come to an agreement with the refs that know what there doing.  These replacement referees are a liability to the NFL. If  Roger is smart he will do what he has to ensure the REAL refs return for the beginning of the season otherwise we are all in big trouble!

Pats-Eagles Game Notes and Observations

Last night the Patriots hosted the Eagles for their second pre season game and fell short losing 17-27. Here are a bunch of things I noted from the game.

Due to the condensed schedule the Patriots decided to bench 26 players this pre season game. The Patriots will face the Bucs this Friday and the Giants on Wednesday so it was likely a wise decision to rest the starters heading into the next game on a short week.

Obviously the big story of the game is the injury Michael Vick sustained on the first drive after being flushed out by Pats D-tackle Kyle Love, Pats DE Jermaine Cunningham layed a huge blow to the midsection of Michael Vick who left the field and did not return for the remainder of the game.  I for one have been very high on Cunningham since he was drafted.  Cunningham seems to flash when given the opportunity and has struggled to see playing time to this point.  Cunningham seemed to have bulked up this offseason and weighs in at a solid 260 at 6’3.  Cunningham certainly looks the part and last night he played it.  The Patriots tend to agree because it has been just announced on Patriots.com that they have released DE Jonathan Fanene who was projected to be a starter before the offseason started.  Apparently the Patriots also like what they see out of Cunningham to this point.

The defense as a whole looked good even missing key players such as Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo, Rob Ninkovich, Kyle Arrington, and Devin McCourty.  The defense last week held Drew Brees 1 for 4 last week and played well containing Philly towards the beginning of the game. The younger talent on the defense had a chance to show what it was made of and they showed a little of what they are capable of.

To start out the night it was second year Patriots backup QB Ryan Mallet leading the Patriots offense out on the field As Tom Brady, Wes Welker , Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez , and Brandon Lloyd were all out. The Patriots obviously already know what they have in QB Tom Brady so this was a terrific opportunity to really key in on the backup QB’s and get a look at what the Patriots have there. I found it very interesting that Mallet got the star over Hoyer but I liked it.  This was a chance to throw Mallet into the fire against Philly’s first team defense and Mallet I thought stepped up to the task in my eyes.  Mallet while not perfect by any means proved to be solid in his first start as Patriots QB going 10/20 with 105 yards and a touchdown.  Mallet showed off his arm throwing lazers.  One of which seemed to almost knock Dieon Branch over for a Patriots first down.  Mallet also threw a beautiful deep ball that could not get reeled in, but it certainly shows that Mallet has the raw physical tools to make all the throws.  The questions with Mallet are his accuracy.  A lot of his shorter passes were off target and made you scratch your head. I think inconsistency would best describe Mallet but in his second season, he certainly has room to grow and improve his game.

Another highlight of the game was Dieon Branch who played 73/74 snaps last night. Dieon bailed Mallet out plenty last night and gave him a weapon he might not have had typically. Dieon looks to have a strong hold on the number 3 receiver slot after a strong showing as well. Dieon’s routes were crisp and as always, he seemed to be in position and came away with some plays.

Stephen Gostkowski showed he still is one of the leagues best kickers as he had two 50+ yard field goals. Fantasy owners keep him in mind when drafting as New England appears to have another dynamic offense this season that will be scoring many points-as will Gostkowski.

Special teams I thought looked anemic and sloppy.  I really hope Jeff Demps can bring a spark to the return game.  I think New England will be in trouble if we have any Danny Woodhead/Donte’ Stallworth/Brandon Bolden returning kicks.  Speaking of Brandon Bolden ( who seems to be fighting for his life for a roster spot ) he had a pitiful game muffing a punt that lead to Philly’s first score of the night and had a very unimpressive night with 7 carries for 14 yards. Do the simple math folks and that’s a puny 2 yards per carry average.  I liked Bolden coming out of training camp because he is a big physical back who has a different skill set than any of the other young backs on the roster yet he isn’t helping his cause by fumbling in practice, muffing punts, and rushing for 2 yards a carry.  That slot can be taken by a more dynamic player like Jeff Demps.

Chandler Jones is going to have a phenomenal year. Mark it. The guy still has so much to learn and forces constant pressure. I am very impressed with him thus far.

On the other hand Jake Bequette has been very inconsistent. He shows he can get to the QB yet he got a costly roughing the passer penalty. The jury’s still out on him.

Another inconsistent position on the team is the tackle position. Solder is having some growing pains transitioning to left tackle.  I think Solder will do fine because both last week and this week Saints and Eagles defenders gushed about Solders talents saying he will be  “A player to be reckoned with” as Eagles Defensive End Daryll Tapp said after last night’s victory over the Pats. Looks like it will be a week to week growth with Solder so hopefully Tapp will be right.  Cannon also appeared to be shaky giving up a sack.  The Patriots better hope Sebastian Vollmer heals up for the season opener or the Pats could be in trouble with their young tackles.

Safety will be a position to really watch all season. Chung hasn’t played a full season since being drafted by New England in 2009 and is getting that injury prone tag to his name.  Chung left the game in the first half with a shoulder injury and did not return.  Chung, whose contract is up after this season needs to prove he is worth an extension and really needs to stay on the field this season for the Pats.  Last year there was a revolving door at safety and we are only halfway through the pre season and both Patrick Chung and Tavon Wilson banged up- this may not bode well for the chemistry of the Patriots secondary.

Someone who may be able to step in and play some safety is special teamer and rookie safety Nate Ebner who had himself a good game and an interception closing out the first half of the game before halftime. Ebner was on of the top rugby players last season and is still new to football but if he can continue the transition with strides like this, Belichick may have stuck gold with Nate Ebner who for the record has had 4 interceptions in 4 days in practice leading up to-and during the game last night. 

Bobby Carpenter.  Who would have thought he would even be talked about to this point? –Certainly not me.  Carpenter was a special team’s player for the Lions last season and he may be able to contribute on defense this offseason with Dane Fletcher going on IR. Although negated- Carpenter made a nice play and picked Philly’s backup Foles off and took it to the house for a pick 6. Plays like that may keep you around a bit longer. 

Sterling Moore got me a bit nervous as I got 2011 nausea watching a 3^rd down conversion of a 40 yard bomb let up to Philly star wide-out, DeSean Jackson- getting Philly in scoring position which led to a Clay Harbor touchdown. Moore also had a holding penalty early in the game.  If only he would make the clutch plays like he did against Baltimore in the AFC Championship last season.

Will Allen needs to make the most of his opportunities.  He had a gift INT which hit him square in the chest and he dropped it! At his age he should be able to come up with the plays as a veteran DB.  It’s only a matter of weeks before he is dropped from New England. I don’t think he has much left to offer at this point in his career.

Well that’s all folks! Agree? Disagree? Have anything to add? Fill the comments section and let me hear it! If I left out anything I would be glad to post it up on the site!

TRAINING CAMP UPDATES

Views, Photos and more will be posted later today. Stay tuned here on PremiumPats for exclusive coverage on Pats camp!