TA's Take

I’m done with Cam Newton. If I’m going to be completely honest, I was done with Cam Newton after those back to back losses to Denver and San Francisco in October. But, over the next four games he was decent and the team started to win so I bit my tongue and accept him as the starting QB. But now he’s on a streak of three of the worst games I’ve ever seen a QB play and his piss poor play throughout the year has all but cost the Patriots a chance at a playoffs. Over the last three games he has posted a QB rating of 23.6, 87.4 and 53.9. In the game where he posted the 87.4, he had 69 yards passing. In those three games he had just one passing touchdown to three interceptions while completing just 56% of his passes. Long story short, he can’t throw the football.  Sure, he’s made some plays with his legs and has scored a bunch of rushing touchdowns but that’s not what you’re looking for from your QB. It’s certainly not what I’m looking for. I want a QB who can make plays with his arm. I...

It’s refreshing every time you get a reminder that coaching matters in football. In fact, it’s the most important thing in football. Without good coaching you are nothing.  Take today for example, you have Bill Belichick and the Patriots holding the Cardinals to a season worst offensive performance and winning a must win game on the same day you have Tom Brady’s Buccaneers allowing Tyreek Hill to run wild for 13 catches, 269 yards and 3 touchdowns and losing a big game to the Chiefs.  Just a reminder, this is the same Tyreek Hill that was held to just 4 catches for 64 yards against the Patriots earlier in the season. Game planning your opponents, stopping what they do best, making them beat you in different ways. It’s things like that, that make all the difference.  Maybe now Brady is starting to realize that it wasn’t so bad around here in New England. Maybe the best coach in football knew what he was doing. Maybe Belichick was actually what Brady needed.  Brad...

Round 1  1. Houston Texans - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina  2. St. Louis Rams - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson  3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A& M 4. Cleveland Browns - Kahlil Mack, LB, Buffalo 5. Oakland Raiders - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M  6. Atlanta Falcons - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn  7. Tampa Bay Bucaneers - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh  8. Minnesota Vikings - Blake Bortles, QB, UCF  9. Buffalo Bills - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M  10. Detroit Lions - Ha Ha Clinton Dix, S, Alabama  11. Tennessee Titans - Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State  12. New York Giants - Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU 13. St. Louis Rams - Tyler Lewan, OT, Michigan  14. Chicago Bears - Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville  15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State  16. Dallas Cowboys - Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota  17. Baltimore Ravens - CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama  18. New York Jets - Marqi...

Here's a list of NFL free agents I would love to see the Patriots target in free agency. This is more of a wish list than a list of realistic possibilities. I'd be happy if the Patriots signed just a few of these players.  1. Donte Whitner, S - Love me some Whitner. This Ohio State Buckeye is a hard hitting Safety who would bring instant physicality to the Patriots D. He is the perfect compliment to McCourty. He would also bring a veteran presence and leadership.  2. Eric Decker, WR - It's time to give Tom Brady a legit playmaking outside receiver. Some would argue Decker isn't even that but I'm not one of them. He is a big physical receiver who makes explosive plays down field. He would fit in perfect here and remember Josh McDaniels drafted Decker in Denver.   3. Aqib Talib, CB - This is the Patriots biggest free agent this year and they must find a way to resign him. When Talib is healthy he is a difference maker on this Defense.  4. Vonte Davis, CB - If the Patr...

Here is a list of free agents I think the Patriots could realistically sign once free agency begins next Tuesday. The Patriots love value and I believe these players provide that along with filling needs on this football team.  1. Julian Edelman, WR - Edelman is extremely likely to sign with the Patriots cause he's their guy. He has a great rapport with Tom Brady and we know he excels in the Patriots system. He probably won't cost too much either as he isn't without question marks.  2. Aqib Talib, CB - Another one of their own, I expect the the Patriots to go hard after Talib. He fits the way the wanna play defense and has been a difference maker on this defense when healthy. He is expected to get more money then last offseason but the Patriots still shouldn't have to break the bank to resign him.  3. Emmanuel Sanders, WR - The Patriots obviously had interest in Sanders last offseason, I'd expect the same this year. Except this time around Pittsburgh won't be ab...

Round 1 1. Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan 2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon 3. Oakland Raiders - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida 4. Philadelphia Eagles - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah 5. Detroit Lions - Luke Joeckle, OT, Texas A&M 6. Cleveland Browns - Ziggy Ansah, DE, BYU 7. Arizona Cardinals - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma 8. Buffalo Bills - Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse 9. New York Jets - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia 10. Tennessee Titans - Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina 11. San Diego Chargers - DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama 12. Miami Dolphins - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama 13. New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU 14. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas 15. New Orleans Saints - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri 16. St. Louis Rams - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson 17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia 18. Dallas Cowboys - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama 19. New York Giants - Tank Carradine, DE, Florida St...

Round 1 29. Robert Woods, WR, USC - I've been saying Woods will be this pick for weeks. It seems like the Patriots really like this kid. He is a smart receiver coming from a sophisticated offense at USC. Polished route runner with great hands. He's a playmaker and will start from day 1 with the Patriots. Round 2 59. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas - Okafor was one of the best pass rushers in college football last year recording 12.5. He is very athletic and can get after the QB but he is also solid against the run. He even moved inside and played a little DT at Texas. He is expeted to be a left DE in the NFL which would be perfect opposite Chandler Jones. Round 3 91. Tyrann Mathieu, CB/S, LSU - A lot of baggage comes with Mathieu but the Patriots seem very interested. He has met with Patriots multiple times. Belichick has no problem taking pot guys who slip. He is a playmaker on the field. He is versatile and has a swagger the Patriots Defense could use. Round 7 226. Jos...

Here are my top 10 players I would like to see the Patriots draft with their first round pick, #29 overall. 1. Robert Woods, WR, USC - To me Woods might be the best all around WR in this Draft. He is smart, physical and fast. He is a polished route runner. He has great vision and is dynamic in open space. He has great hands and makes all the catches. He played under Lane Kiffin in a pro style offense at USC. Obviously WR is a big need for the Patriots and Woods is the player I want. 2. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson - Hopkins is a strong physical WR. He makes some tremendous catches. He was super productive at Clemson. He will be a great outside WR in this league. 3. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington - The Patriots could obviously use some help in the secondary. I like Trufant a lot, he's a hard worker and an intense competitor. He's got football in his blood. He's an athletic and physical corner, solid all around. Really good in run support. I actually like him as much a...

One of the positions I'm focusing on most during the Draft process this year is Wide Receiver. I believe it is the New England Patriots biggest need in the Draft and I expect them to address it in early and often. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Patriots double dip at WR in this Draft. Here's a look at my Wide Receiver Rankings for the 2013 NFL Draft. 1. Tavon Austin , West Virginia - Austin is a terrific slot receiver. He's an explosive playmaker. He is not only quick but fast. Very good in space. Dangerous return man. Tough player, will take a hit. Only question mark is durability due to his size. 2. DeAndre Hopkins , Clemson - Hopkins is one of the most productive receivers in this Draft. Last season at Clemson he had 18 touchdowns and over 1,400 yards. He is a strong physical receiver. Fearless over the middle. He catches the ball well and has outstanding footwork. Hopkins has excellent awareness and runs sharp routes. 3. Robert Woods , USC ...

1. Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia - Bailey is a terrific route runner and reads coverages well. He has great hands and makes some amazing catches. He lacks elite speed but is quick, especially off the snap. He is also on the shorter side at 5'10". (Projected 3rd Round Selection) 2. Corey Lemonier, OLB, Auburn - Lemonier is a terrific pass rusher. He needs to add some strength to improve his run defense but he can sure get after the QB. He could play some DE but it likely an OLB at the next level. (Projected 3rd Round Selection) 3. John Simon, DE, Ohio State - Simon has a great work ethic and is a tremendous leader on and off the football field. He is a solid pass rusher and is very versatile, he can lineup at DE or OLB. (Projected 3rd-4th Round Selection) 4. Kiko Alonso, LB, Oregon - Kiko has some red flags but he is an incredible athlete. He can play every LB position, inside or outside. He is excellent in coverage. (Projected 3rd Round Selection) 5. Phillip Thoma...

Round 1 1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckle, OT, Texas A&M 2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon 3. Oakland Raiders - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida 4. Philadelphia Eagles - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah 5. Detroit Lions - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan 6. Cleveland Browns - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia 7. Arizona Cardinals - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma 8. Buffalo Bills - Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse 9. New York Jets - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia 10. Tennessee Titans - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama 11. San Diego Chargers - DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama 12. Miami Dolphins - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama 13. New York Jets - Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina 14. Carolina Panthers - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri 15. New Orleans Saints - Barkevious Mingo, OLB/DE, LSU 16. St. Louis Rams - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas 17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia 18. Dallas Cowboys - Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina 19. New York Giants - Ta...

Round 1 1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckle, OT, Texas A&M 2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon 3. Oakland Raiders - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida 4. Philadelphia Eagles - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah 5. Detroit Lions - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan 6. Cleveland Browns - Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU 7. Arizona Cardinals - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma 8. Buffalo Bills - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia 9. New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU 10. Tennessee Titans - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama 11. San Diego Chargers - DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama 12. Miami Dolphins - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama 13. Tampa Buccaneers - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State 14. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas 15. New Orleans Saints - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri 16. St. Louis Rams - Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina 17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia 18. Dallas Cowboys - Eric Reid, S, LSU 19. New York Giants - Tank Carradine, DE, F...

Round 1 1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckle, OT, Texas A&M 2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon 3. Oakland Raiders - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida 4. Philadelphia Eagles - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah 5. Detroit Lions - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan 6. Cleveland Browns - Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU 7. Arizona Cardinals - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma 8. Buffalo Bills - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia 9. New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU 10. Tennessee Titans - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama 11. San Diego Chargers - DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama 12. Miami Dolphins - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama 13. Tampa Buccaneers - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State 14. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas 15. New Orleans Saints - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri 16. St. Louis Rams - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia 17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee 18. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina 19. New York Giants ...

Round 1 1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckle, OT, Texas A&M 2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon 3. Oakland Raiders - Sharif Floyd, DT, Florida 4. Philadelphia Eagles - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia 5. Detroit Lions - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan 6. Cleveland Browns - Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU 7. Arizona Cardinals - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma 8. Buffalo Bills - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee 9. New York Jets - Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU 10. Tennessee Titans - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah 11. San Diego Chargers - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama 12. Miami Dolphins - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama 13. Tampa Buccaneers - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State 14. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas 15. New Orleans Saints - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri 16. St. Louis Rams - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia 17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarvis Jones, OLB/DE, Georgia 18. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina 19. New York G...

American League AL East - 1. Boston Red Sox 89-73 2. Tampa Bay Rays 88-74 3. Toronto Blue Jays 85-77 4. New York Yankees 81-81 5. Baltimore Orioles 77-85 AL Central - 1. Detroit Tigers 95-67 2. Cleveland Indians 85-77 3. Kansas City Royals 82-80 4. Chicago White Sox 72-90 5. Minnesota Twins 60-102 AL West - 1. Anaheim Angels 93-69 2. Oakland A's 89-73 3. Texas Rangers 84-78 4. Seattle Mariners 81-81 5. Houston Astros 65-97 AL MVP - Mike Trout, CF, Anaheim AL Cy Young - Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit AL Wildcard - Tampa Bay Rays over Oakland A's ALDS - Anaheim Angels over Boston Red Sox Detroit Tigers over Tampa Bay Rays ALCS - Detroit Tigers over Anaheim Angels National League NL East - 1. Washington Nationals 101-61 2. Atlanta Braves 94-68 3. Philadelphia Phillies 85-77 4. New York Mets 67-95 5. Miami Marlins 59-103 NL Central - 1. St. Louis Cardinals 89-73 2. Cincinnati Reds 88-74 3. Milwaukee Brewers 82-80 4. Pittsburgh Pira...

1. Sign Safety Ed Reed - Reed would do wonders for the Patriots Defense. He would bring this Defense together. He is a smart leader that Belichick loves. The Patriots need an upgrade at Safety next to McCourty. He could be the second coming of Rodney Harrison. 2. Resign Cornerback Aqib Talib - The Patriots Defense changed when Talib arrived in mid-season last year. He made them significantly better and is a must keep for the Patriots. His market is up in the air but if the Patriots think they won't be able to work out a deal they should franchise him. 3. Sign Wide Receiver Greg Jennings - Dwayne Bowe was the Receiver I wanted most but since he resigned with the Chiefs I'll go to my second option. I think the Patriots offense needs a change, they need to become more explosive and Jennings can provide that. If I had to choose between keeping Welker and signing Jennings, I'd pick Jennings. 4. Sign Defensive End Dwight Freeney - Freeney would be a great Defensive End oppo...

Here is a list of 10 NFL Free Agents that I think the Patriots could realistically be interested in and sign in Free Agency this year. As we all know the Patriots are always looking for value and I think these Free Agents would provide just that. 1. John Abraham, DE, Atlanta - Abraham is still a quality pass rusher and would be a nice rotation guy on the Patriots defensive line. He's not a full time player anymore but in sub packages he can provide an upgrade over what Trevor Scott and Jermaine Cunningham provided last season. 2. Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Houston - Barwin is a versatile player, he can play DE or OLB. In the Patriots 4-3 Defense he would likely be a DE. He can get after the Passer and is solid against the run. He had a down year in 2012 so his stock is not that high right now but he's only 26 and has big potential. 3. Julian Edelman, WR, New England - This is one of their own guys I think they need to bring back. I'm a big fan of Edelman. I think he is a ...

Round 1  1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M 2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M 3. Oakland Raiders - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia 4. Philadelphia Eagles - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan 5. Detroit Lions - Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State 6. Cleveland Browns - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah 7. Arizona Cardinals - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU 8. Buffalo Bills - Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse 9. New York Jets - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee 10. Tennessee Titans - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama 11. San Diego Chargers - Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon 12. Miami Dolphins - DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama 13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State 14. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas 15. New Orleans Saints - Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU 16. St. Louis Rams - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina 17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia 18. Dallas Cowboys - Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida...

1. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon - Freak athlete. He is expected to test extremely well at the Combine. I'm looking forward to seeing him in pass coverage drills as an OLB. 2. Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU - He has been described as a workout warrior. He has excellent speed. He'll have a great 40 and should impress in pass rushing drills. 3. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama - He is expected to put on a show in the bench press. I'm curious to see if he has the speed to match the strength. 4. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU - Great athlete who was a little under the radar during the season. He'll emerge as a potential top 10 pick at the Combine. 5. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame - I'm most interested in seeing his interview/press conference with the media. His interviews with teams will be critical for him. 6. Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida - Strong and fast. He should excel in all aspects of the Combine. His stock is on the rise and will continue to be after his Combine performanc...

1. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - Tremendous athlete. Should test out extremely well. I wanna see if he can make all the throws in the passing drills. The interview process will be big for him as well. 2. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson - I'm not sure if he has great speed, that's something I'll be watching for. He can make nice catches and should impress in receiving drills. 3. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia - Quick receiver. I anticipate he'll do well in cone drills. Seems like a fluent receiver and should be solid in receiving drills as well. 4. Denard Robinson, WR, Michigan - What is this kid, is he a quarterback or a receiver? He's working out at the Combine as a receiver and he better have a good showing or his career might be over before it begins. 5. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan - He had a great showing at the Senior Bowl and his stock is on the rise. Everyone is looking forward to seeing if his Combine performance can match his Senior Bowl perfo...