New England Patriots Linebacker Kyle Van Noy (KVN) is a man on a mission and the NFL better watch out because he’s going to provide the punch the Patriots need.
When KVN left New England for Miami it was not a great day for this long-time Patriots fan, not at all.
It was clear that since his trade from Detroit in 2016 to the Patriots, his career had taken a huge leap forward. Then, for whatever reason (probably the Benjamins) he left for Miami of all places.
He left to play for former Patriots’ “defensive coordinator” Brian Flores, the new Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins. Now, this was not good news here.
KVN had been a favorite of this person, then, this writer now. I liked his attitude and his swagger. He came to play as they used to say. And he played … well.
KVN came to the team in 2016 for seven games. But it was in 2017 that he started to come into his own. That year, he racked up 5.5 sacks and 73 tackles. He began to make his mark.
In 2018, the Super Bowl-winning season (the Patriots last), he was even better with 92 total tackles and a bit fewer sacks at 3.5. But still, Van Noy had a super season as the Patriots won the Super Bowl that year.
In 2019, his total tackles dropped some to 56 with a change of position, but the sack total rose to a career-high of 6.5. Still, a very nice season. But after that season, Van Noy left for Miami.
Brian Flores helped draw Kyle Van Noy from The New England Patriots to the Dolphins
New Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores (and a lucrative contract offer of 4 years and $51M) must have had a significant influence on Van Noy moving to Miami.
He moved on as a free agent from the Patriots after their disappointing 2019 season. KVN had been a very solid player for the team and his defection to the Dolphins.
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The Dolphins became a playoff team and the Patriots, well, didn’t. They didn’t for the first time in many, many years. That’s the past. Now, let’s talk about the future.
Van Noy is back in New England. And, not only is he back, but he seems, well, let’s say ticked off and motivated. Why is that?
Here’s what was reported by si.com after he was released by Miami,
"“I am surprised and disappointed in their decision,” Van Noy said in a statement provided to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo after the initial reports surfaced. “As a captain, I gave my all to the team. I fought through a painful hip injury during the season, including spending a night in the hospital after a game. I was brought there to be a leader and I know my teammates looked up to and respected me. I am looking forward to making an impact on my next team, on and off the field.”"
He felt he was respected by his teammates (he was a captain) and this is a supposition, he seemed to feel disrespected by his team.
And, he wants to make an impact on his next team. How good is that? Well, his “next team” is his former team. That team is a team on a mission, the New England Patriots.
That team missed the playoffs for the first time in about a decade. They lost their all-time player. No more about that. But this team, as well as KVN, wants to make an impact. Boy, do they want to make an impact.
So, let’s get this straight, a player who contributed 69 total tackles and 6.0 sacks (which would have led the Patriots, by the way), is cast adrift by Miami and winds up back in New England.
Someone, please tell me I am dreaming. The Patriots last season had no KVN playing.
They had no Dont’a Hightower. They had no Elandon Roberts, who also left for Miami. And they didn’t have much else at the position.
New England Patriots linebackers ready to bring it in 2021
So, let’s fast forward to 2021. The Tom Brady-less Patriots decided to do something about this situation. First, Dont’a Hightower, their leader, and top linebacker is back this season.
Then, their former excellent linebacker and playmaker KVN has re-signed with the team.
Then, the Patriots went out and signed one of the best outside linebackers/edge players in the conference (a Pro Bowler the past two seasons) Matt Judon from Baltimore, as well.
In addition, they drafted an edge player, Ronnie Perkins in the third round just to add a bit more competition to the situation.
That means, that their new top three linebackers in 2021 were not with the team in 2020. To this writer, that means they will be a whole lot better this season at that position than last.
And lo and behold, the team’s first game at Gillette Stadium will be against none other than the Miami Dolphins on September 12.
Thank you schedule-makers for giving KVN a monumental incentive to absolutely crush the Dolphins on September 12.
Oh, and there is one more thing to report. When Van Noy was asked about his situation with the Dolphins this is the exchange as reported by sun-sentinel.com,
"Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Kyle Van Noy’s short response to a reporter’s question about Brian Flores spoke volumes. When asked about the difference he saw between Brian Flores as the head coach of the Dolphins and Brian Flores as the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots, he didn’t have to say much to get his point across. “Yeah, no comment,” he tersely answered during his introductory video conference with New England media after re-joining the Patriots on a two-year deal last week."
“No comment.” That speaks volumes. Can’t wait until the new New England Patriots with a completely remodeled team enter the field at Gillette on September 12.
One thing is certain, Kyle Van Noy will be ready to play. And if your a Miami Dolphins offensive player, watch out. KVN isn’t happy. But, we up here in New England are. Can’t wait.