New England Patriots: Keys to victory vs. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers
Squib Notes:
– Dont’a Hightower: the Boston Herald reports that the defensive leader will be playing this week!
– Tight Ends: Continuing the conversation about Jacob Hollister and Dwayne Allen, last week’s performances laid an exclamation point on it. Dwayne dropped a perfectly placed pass while Jacob caught a tough one. It will be interesting to see howthe snap count looks after the game.
– Gronk: so it was Mr. Gronkowski who deflected the Hail Mary pass in the end zone last week. He’ll happily tell you that he can now say he plays both offense and defense! He actually mentioned his enjoyment of playing defensive end in his pre-NFL days. “”If they put me at D-end ever, you’d see I’m a hybrid D-end, maybe one day I’ll switch to it. I’ve thought about that.”
– Phil Dorsett: maybe this will be the week we see a lot of the speedy receiver make a few more contributions as he is ready to go for week four.
– Rex Burkhead: was back on the practice field this week but is doubtful for this week.
– Danny Trevathan: I hope that the NFL makes an example of brutal Bears Bully Trevathan who leveled hapless receiver Davante Adams. Fox’s Mike Pereira said it was the first crown of the helmet call in four years. No reason for a hit that knocked Adams out and had him carried off the field on a stretcher after the Packers’ pass-catcher was already stopped. Thankfully, Adams seems to be recovering well so far. I hope the NFL at least suspends Trevathan.
– Dubious Defense: ESPN’s Aaron Schatz writes that the Pats are not likely to end up in the Super Bowl this year due to their defense. We’ll see, Adam, we’ll see. It’s a long season and it’s hardly started. In any case, it’s the kind of billboard material that the team loves to feast upon!
– “That’s why we’re Patriots Fans!” – all Patriots fans – as Brandin Cooks perfectly hauled in the winning touchdown from TB-12.
Next: New England Patriots: 5 players who will step up vs. Carolina Panthers
Last word on last week:
ESPN’s First Take co-host Max Kellerman has continuously talked about Tom Brady hitting the quarterback cliff to retirement. However, three games in to the season, not only are there no signs of it, but Brady is showing us that Brady magic as though it as the first time. Moments like Brady’s comeback remind us of how lucky we are to have him at the helm, and while I am excited for Jimmy Garappolo, this season is all about what we already have.