Why Patriots Can’t Neutralize Antonio Brown Like Other Top Receivers

Share this: Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots typically do an excellent job of devising a scheme to take out the opposition’s best player. Lately, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has been the exception to the rule. Here’s how Steelers quarterbacks have fared targeting Brown in four total matchups against the Patriots: 30 catches46 targets377 yards3 touchdowns3 interceptions85.1 passer rating Here’s how Steelers quarterbacks have fared targeting Brown over the last two seasons: 16 catches22 targets239 yards1 touchdown1 interception104.2 passer rating Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler primarily has followed Brown around the field during those last two games and has the most trouble as passes get deeper and help dissipates. Brown has beat Butler for passes of 51, 37, 33 and 25 yards over the last two

Bill Belichick Loves Malcolm Butler’s Competitiveness In Patriots’ Defense

Share this: FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler had one of his weakest games of the season last month against the New York Jets, when he allowed six catches on six targets for 106 yards and two touchdowns. So, it would be shocking if Butler wasn’t a little extra motivated to shut down Brandon Marshall, Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson in this week’s rematch against the Jets. “Very competitive; Malcolm’s really competitive. It really bothers him when a guy catches a ball on him, and that’s the kind of attitude you want to have from a defensive back,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said Thursday. “When they do catch it they want to make a real hard tackle and

Patriots’ Long-Awaited Turnovers Help Turn Tide In Hard-Fought Win Over Jets

Patriots’ Long-Awaited Turnovers Help Turn Tide In Hard-Fought Win Over Jets

by Zack Cox on Sun, Nov 27, 2016 at 10:12PM 1,275 EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After surrendering a Brandon Marshall touchdown catch on the New York Jets’ third offensive possession Sunday, Malcolm Butler had just one thought on his mind when he returned to the field a few minutes later. “I gave up a touchdown,” the New England Patriots cornerback told himself. “I’ve got to try to do something.” So, he did. On the second play of the Jets’ next series, Butler ripped the... NESN.com

Tom Brady Celebrates Patriots’ Win With Funny New Edition Of ‘TB Times’

Share this: You’re not supposed to mess with Texas, but that’s exactly what the New England Patriots did Thursday night. The Pats (3-0) cruised to a 27-0 win over the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium with rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett under center, which certainly was cause for celebration for everyone in New England, including Tom Brady. Brady, who still has to miss one more game due to his Deflategate suspension, congratulated his teammates after the win with another edition of “TB Times,” which had a very appropriate headline. Oh, and don’t forget cover models Danny Amendola and Malcolm Butler. Thumbnail photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images More Stories Source link

Patriots Final 53-Man Roster Projection: Injuries Force Tough Cuts At Receiver

Share this: The New England Patriots must cut down their roster to 53 players by Saturday at 4 p.m., and injuries suffered Thursday made the process a bit more complicated. The Patriots suffered injuries at wide receiver, running back, linebacker and offensive tackle. See how our Patriots beat writers Doug Kyed and Zack Cox work around those ailments in their final 53-man roster projection of the summer. QUARTERBACKDoug KyedIn: Jacoby Brissett, Jimmy Garoppolo (2)Suspended: Tom Brady (four games)Out: NoneNo changes here. Brissett was impressive again, so there’s no need for another quarterback on the roster. Zack CoxIn: Jacoby Brissett, Jimmy Garoppolo (2)Suspended: Tom Brady (four games)Out: NoneThis is locked in. I’ve seen enough from Brissett this preseason to convince me he can be a serviceable backup for the next month. RUNNING BACKKyedIn: LeGarrette

Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection: Surprise Cuts At Running Back, Tight End

Share this: The New England Patriots only have played one preseason game, but the 2016 season is approaching faster than you might think. The Patriots must make their first round of cuts in exactly two weeks, and they have to whittle their roster to 53 players by Sept. 3. That won’t be easy with such a such a loaded squad. Here’s how NESN.com Patriots beat writers Doug Kyed and Zack Cox see the roster shaking out. QUARTERBACKDoug Kyed: In: Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett (2)Suspended: Tom Brady (four games)Out: None— Jacoby Brissett isn’t an ideal second-string option for the first four weeks of the regular season, but who else would the Patriots sign? Charlie Whitehurst? The Patriots will have to make a roster move when Brady returns. Zack Cox: In: Jimmy

Patriots Practice Observations: Cornerbacks Show Fight In Coverage, Scraps

Patriots Practice Observations: Cornerbacks Show Fight In Coverage, Scraps

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots’ cornerbacks wouldn’t go down with a fight Monday in their joint practice with the Chicago Bears. The Patriots’ defense didn’t make life easy on Chicago Bears quarterbacks Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer, Connor Shaw and David Fales, recording 15 pass breakups in team drills. Here’s everything that went down at the Patriots-Bears joint practice: — Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler got booted from practice after getting into a scrap with Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery. Butler and Jeffery had one another by the face mask before more Bears players ran in and escalated the fight. Patriots defenders Duron... NESN.com