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Jimmy Grappolo

Patriots Preseason: Game 1 takeaways

by Damian Parson August 13, 2016

written by Damian Parson

Patriots Preseason

Patriots Preseason: Game 1 takeaways

Preseason football for Pats Nation has arrived. Game one had it’s ups and downs but we made it right? Here are four notable takeaways from game one against the New Orleans Saints.

1. Malcolm Mitchell

The 4^th round pick out of the University of Georgia was on pace to have a great game. He displayed strength, great hands, and strong at the point of attack. He did a terrific job catching the football away from his body. He finished the game with 4-catches and 55-yards in the second quarter, might I add. The offense did not gain traction until Mitchell touched the field. He gained the type of separation the starting receivers were not producing.

The Georgia Native’s rookie debut was halted suddenly after suffering what looked to be a gruesome arm injury, but it was a dislocated elbow sidelining him around 4-weeks. The former Bulldog adds athleticism, strong hands, and a better catch radius than the “Julian Edelman” and “Danny Amendola“s of the world. If he can come back after his injury and continue his fast start, the offense will have another piece the puzzle.

2. Tyler Gaffney

This young player was on my radar for some time now. He has battled injuries going back two years ago in his rookie year. Only the real Pats fans would have been pulling for him to succeed. The former Stanford Cardinal had not played a snap in the NFL before last night. It was his NFL debut, and he had a good showing in his first taste of NFL gameplay. The former Carolina Panther. showed good vision, decisiveness, and an excellent burst. He displayed that burst on his 44-yard touchdown. He finished the game with 9-carries for 64-yards and a TD. He also did a pretty good job in pass protection last night as well. If he can continue to build on this performance going forward, he can certainly carve out a role in this offense similar to Dion Lewis from last year’s preseason.

3. Pass Rush

After trading Chandler Jones and the injury to Rob Ninkovich, most pundits wondered how the Patriots would generate a pass rush. Last night the pass rush came from several different players and positions on the defensive front. The defense finished with 2-sacks, 4-QB hits, a hand full of hurries, and a forced fumble/touchdown. Early in the game Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long, and Shea McClellin provided good consistent pressure off the edge. Sheard was nearly unstoppable; he generated pressure in one on one situations and against double teams.

You can certainly ask Mark Ingram about Sheard after the Hollywood Native used one hand to strip Ingram for a fumble that was recovered by New England. He is the key piece for this defensive front, and I expect a big year from him. Long placed notable pressure as well, he was in a 2-point stance on the edge and displayed good leverage with his length. His bull rush was effective and consistent. The star on the defensive front was 2nd-year player Trey Flowers.

The former Arkansas Razorback finished the game with 6-tackles, 2-QB hits, a forced fumble/recovered, and a defensive score. He generated pressure from all over the line. Lining up at DE and DT, he was impressive rushing the QB from all area codes last night. If the defensive front can keep up this type of performance, the absence of Tom should be a little easier of a task to handle.

4. Grappolo’s resilience

Jimmy Grappolo had one of the most anticipated starts to preseason that I have ever seen. There was an abundance of pressure for the 3rd year QB to play early and well. The young QB started the game 3-7 for 33-yards displaying bad footwork, decisions, and ball placement. The signs were not looking good for him especially when the offensive line gave up pressure on his first two drives. If the Head Coach were an ordinary guy and not Bill Belichick Jimmy would have been pulled early on, but he was allowed to continue. Jimmy and the offensive line showed resilience and rebounded together as a group.

The former Eastern Illinois quarterback finished his next 8-passes, going 6-8 for 113-yards. He was awarded time in the pocket and established a rhythm, making throw after throw. He even evaded defenders and ran for a critical 4^th down conversion. That type of resilience and mental toughness is key even in the preseason. He struggled without about six other offensive starters. However, the silver lining is he rebounded without them as well. If he can continue to grow in this preseason, the Patriots should be in good hands with the young QB!!

Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.

August 13, 2016 0 comment

AFC East New England Patriots NFL

Patriots: Top 5 Potential Breakout Players

by Damian Parson August 2, 2016

written by Damian Parson

top 5 Breakout players

Top 5 Potential Breakout Players

Every year some players shine in the off-season festivities such as OTA’s, mini-camp, and training camp. These players attempt to take the gained momentum into the preseason and regular season. The question is, can these top 5 players turn off-season shine into lighting up the regular season?

1. Shaq Mason-Guard: In the 2015 NFL draft the New England Patriots drafted two interior offensive linemen in the fourth round in Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason. Out of the two rookie linemen, Shaq Mason performed at a seemingly higher level. Mason struggled in pass protection due to limited reps in that area during his college career, but he did make strides throughout the season. Mason was an excellent run-blocker and became one of the Patriots best run blockers quickly last season. Now that offensive line “GURU” Dante Scarnecchia has returned from a brief retirement stint; there are expectations that he will have the right lineup. This team had about 48 different O-line combinations last season; that is a PROBLEM!!! Trotting out a consistent group of guys helps with cohesiveness. Dante will also help Shaq make strides in one on one pass protection. Shaq Mason, I believe will have a breakout campaign this year and be one of the best linemen on the team.

2. Malcolm Brown-Defensive Tackle: In the same draft as Shaq Mason, the Patriots selected defensive tackle Malcolm Brown out of Texas. He came in as a pocket penetrating linemen. He struggled early in the season at the point of attack in the run game. After the initial struggle, he grew into a top 5 DT/NT according to Pro Football Focus. He finished his rookie campaign with 48 combined tackles, ten solo, 3-sacks, 33-stops, 14 QB hurries, and 2-fumbles recovered. That is solid production for a rookie DT/NT. He has not scratched the surface of his potential just yet. During this off-season, the word in the locker room is that Brown has taken steps as a leader going into year 2. That is a great sign because for him to focus on being a leader means, the game has slowed down, and he is letting it come to him. He is the piece on the d-line the Patriots are building around. I am expecting a much quicker, stronger, nastier, and all around better player. The sky is the limit, and we will watch him rise this season.

3. Trey Flowers-Defensive End: This is the 3^rd straight 2^nd year player on my list, proving the Patriots have some good young talent on their roster. Flowers was drafted out of Arkansas as the first pick in the 4^th round last year. He is active with a high motor and is good against the run. He is a work in progress as a pass rusher, but in the preseason he displayed strong hands usage to disengage blockers. Against the Packers in the preseason Flowers rushed off the edge, he used his left hand to stab the LT and used his right hand to swipe him to the ground. That play resulted in a sack of Aaron Rodgers; he displayed the ability he needs to show consistently. Injuries derailed his rookie year and kept him off the field. He is said to be healthy this year coming into preseason. He finished his college career with 18 sacks and 47.5 tackles for loss, displaying his ability to be a disruptive presence in the backfield of opposing offenses. We all know Bill Belichick likes to rotate his linemen to keep guys fresh and throw different bodies at the opposing offense. The former Arkansas Razorback can provide an extra pass rush and edge defender. With the right amount of playing time, Flowers can have a significant impact to this already rising defense.

4. Aaron Dobson-Wide Receiver: This guy has been an off-season star since coming into the league. He has made some highlight catches during mini and training camp over the past three years. The problem has been injuries and consistent play. During his rookie year, he provided proof that he can play in this league and become the downfield threat the Patriots wanted. Let’s take a look back at his breakout game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013. Aaron finished the game with five catches for 130-yards and 2-touchdowns. Dobson has not been able to transfer his play from training camp to the regular season. This is his last chance to be a Patriot going forward, and he needs to perform well. I believe when you push a man into a corner he comes out swinging. The Patriots now have a two tight end formation that will give defenses nightmares. The former Marshall receiver can benefit from those formations because they need a big bodied receiver in on those plays. Staying healthy can provide Aaron Dobson with his last chance in Foxbourgh.

5. Jimmy Grappolo-Quarterback: Lastly the most important person on this list young quarterback Jimmy Grappolo. If there is one player Patriots nation needs, wants, and wishes to have a “breakout” year. Jimmy is slated to be the starting QB due to Tom Brady’s RIDICULOUS 4 game suspension. Jimmy will not be handled in the same fashion as a rookie QB; rather OC Josh Mcdaniels will set up a game plan fitting Jimmy’s skillset. Taking a look back at the Super Bowl winning 2014 season, in the infamous Kansas City Chiefs blowout game. Jimmy came in for Tom and displayed his football IQ and accuracy to move the team downfield for a score. Albeit in a blowout, but he showed his skillset. Jimmy G can move in and out of the pocket, has a quick release, and is a smart young QB. Jimmy has the tools in his toolbox and the toys that he will need to flourish. I expect to see a better run game, the monstrous two tight-end set, and a more play action. Jimmy, the ball is in your court, make your layups, free-throws, and occasionally bomb the three ball when they give you the opportunity. It’s Jimmy Time!!!!!!!!!

Of course, you are going to have your own top 5, so chime in with yours in the comments.

Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.

August 2, 2016 0 comment

AFC East New England Patriots NFL

New England’s QB Spotlight

by Damian Parson May 8, 2016

written by Damian Parson

JacobyBrissett-Wiki

Who is This Guy?

In the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback from NC State.

I know when this selection was announced, most of the Patriots nation were in shock. Questions arose like, “Who is this guy?” “Why are we taking another QB?” and “What happens to Jimmy Garoppolo?” All of these questions are both warranted and understandable.

Jacoby Brissett is a 6’4, 234 lb., strong-armed QB, deemed as the “Savior of NC State”. Jacoby transferred from the University of Florida to NC State, due to a recruiting relationship with NC State head coach Dave Doeren. As a sophomore at Florida, Jacoby came off the bench while the Gators were trailing 20-13 at their homecoming game against Louisiana’s Rajin Cajuns.

After coming off the bench, Jacoby led the Gators on two scoring drives including the game winner. That type of calmness, leadership, and heart is definitely characteristic of the Patriots Way.

Why Draft Him?

With the impending four game suspension of Tom Brady, the Patriots would only have one active QB going into the season. Could they sign a veteran QB for a veteran’s minimum? Sure, that was definitely an option for the Patriots.

The real question is, would it have been the best choice? Let’s break down the entire situation the Patriots are facing. Tom Brady just signed a contract extension that would retain him until the 2019 season. Jimmy Garoppolo’s rookie contract is over after the 2017 season, which leaves about 2-years without a quality backup QB for the team. To answer the question earlier, signing a veteran QB would not suffice for the long-term picture. Drafting Jacoby was definitely the better option.

Just think about Jimmy walking off into the proverbial free agent sunset to sign with another team. Not to mention, Tom Brady retiring shortly after the 2019 season would leave the team in a tough situation. The future in football isn’t clear or promised.

Football is a violent game and anything can happen at any time. Tom Brady could get injured or he could just become tired and call it quits before his contract extension is complete. Jacoby will have plenty of time to develop, learn the Patriots’ style, and take over the position. The time to build and develop for the future is NOW!!!

What Happens To Jimmy?

The former EIU Panther is slated to be the starter for the first four games, if the impending suspension of Tom Brady stands. Honestly, I do not believe Jimmy will be around after his contract expires.

This 2014 second-round pick has talent, and if he does a good job in four starts for the Patriots, he instantly becomes of great value. In this draft, the Patriots executed a trade to give themselves a fourth round pick in next year’s draft. This trade replaced the fourth round pick that was lost as a part of the “Deflategate” punishment.

Bill will find a way to stick it to the league yet again, and I believe the Arlington Heights native will be a part of that scenario. Jimmy can very well be traded at the end of this season or leading into the draft. I can envision the Patriots targeting at least an extra second-round pick to a team that has a need for a QB. The huge “IF” is depending on how comfortable the coaching staff is with Jacoby becoming the only QB left behind Tom. If the staff is not totally sold on Jacoby, there is a chance Garoppolo remains on the team, at least until the next season.

Only Time Will Tell

It is no secret that changes are and will be happening with the Patriots. It is not the easiest task to remain super bowl contenders every year and consistently build for the future.

The AFC East Division Champs are the model team for handling both concepts of now and then. They have to make decisions on the long-term status of their QB position after their future hall of famer retires from the game. I believe the team has placed themselves in a good situation and will transition as smoothly as they can into a new QB era.

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Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.

May 8, 2016 0 comment