tsylvester

During the 2nd quarter of the Lions game. After an exchange of words, Metcalf can be seen pulling the fan's hair then taking a swing at him Suspension by the league i am sure will follow

Some light reading until game time tonight. To say run should be early and often is an understatement From the Pats site It took an opposing running back 10 weeks to eclipse the 50-rushing yard mark against the Patriots defense. That was when Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker totaled 53 yards across nine carries. What was an elite run defense to date started to show cracks that Sunday in Tampa Bay. Those have now fully revealed themselves. Since Week 10, the Patriots run defense has cratered to 29th in rush EPA and 31st in the NFL in rush success rate. Over their first nine games, New England ranked 3rd in rush EPA and 8th in success rate. “Obviously we’re struggling a little bit, it’s been down these last couple weeks,” outside linebackers coach Mike Smith said this week. “We have to get back to what we were at the beginning of the year.” Injuries have not helped the case. After suffering an ankle injury early in Week 11, star defensive tackle Milton Williams has resided on injured reserve over the last three games and will remain out Sunday. Fellow defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (chest) missed a Monday night matchup against the New York Giants. Linebacker Robert Spillane played a season-low 39 defensive snaps in that contest before not playing last week as he was available only in emergency. Spillane, who was seen in a walking boot this week, has already been ruled out for Sunday night. But in addition to the injuries, the Patriots’ details, technique, and fundamentals — which add up to be the third pillar of Mike Vrabel’s team identity — were lacking in a 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills, who generated a +0.23 rush EPA (95th percentile). “Just really working on the technique of their job and making sure we’re not chasing plays,” defensive play caller Zak Kuhr explained. “Sometimes guys want to make plays and they get excited and step out of their responsibility to try and make a play. Just do our job with good technique and fundamentals.” “We want to chase wins, we don’t want to chase plays,” Vrabel added. “That’s the message. I think if we focus on winning and what’s required of winning, then every play will come to us and we’ll make the ones that we’re supposed to make.” Healthy reinforcements will help, which should include the return of Milton Williams from injured reserve next week as he continues to progress well from his ankle sprain. But this week, however, New England’s current personnel will be tested again in Baltimore. With Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson — plus change-of-pace back Keaton Mitchell — leading their ground game, the Ravens are third in the NFL in rushing yards per game (146.2), sixth in rush EPA, and second in explosive run rate. https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/116750/sunday-notes-run-defense-nfl-week-16-ravens

That doesn't bother me as much, it is the way players today act, deal with the media. The same media that has turned into a click bait, hot take media, quite unlike it used to be. You see many players, high profile too boot, who won't talk to the media right after a bad game, some even after a good game.

Yeah, Smith clearly lost a step and maybe a half over the past 2 years, but he is still very good and his leadership is much needed

So was Ray, who complained often to Ozzie and Rex to get him some "damage defensive tackles"

Finally found it, the Ravens are 14th worst in the league in missed tackles with 83. Pats are the best with 53 Per PFF, for what it is worth (no, not a big fan of the site, question some of their stats, the ambiguity of it all)

I doubt he falls to the Ravens, he should be a top 15 pick unless he bombs at the combine. If his 40 is 4.5, sure he could fall. But, like you, give me the phatty, an edge or a left tackle in the 1st. I've already said who to take at wide out and either of them can be had in the 2nd or even the 3rd. Great hands, possession receivers. Lamar is not great at throwing the long ball so why get a speed demon when you have one on the team already that you don't use at all

Several other Ravens veterans also returned to practice: left tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee/ankle), linebacker Roquan Smith (knee), and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (quad). Stanley and Van Noy were limited and Smith was a full participant. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) logged a full practice for a second straight day. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (foot) was not back, however, which puts his status more into doubt heading into a critical Week 16 game against the New England Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye. From the Ravens home site

Pats players who missed practice Wednesday CB Carlton Davis III (Hip) LB Christian Elliss (Illness) CB Marcus Jones (Knee) LB Harold Landry III (Knee) LB Robert Spillane (Ankle) Ravens who did not CB Chidobe Awuzie (Foot) LB Teddye Buchanan (Knee) QB Lamar Jackson (Illness) LB Roquan Smith (Knee) T Ronnie Stanley (Knee/Ankle) OLB Kyle Van Noy (Quad)

Lamar missed Wednesday practice, this time not for "rest" rather because of an "illness". Guess he couldn't resist the spicy chicken again... clear the bathroom!

He would be a very nice pick. Naturally 300 +, high motor and strong, very strong

Don't know anyone is going to trade for him with that contract. But with only a $3 mil salary next year, maybe.. Can he could to SanFran for a year and resurrect his career like so many have done?

Well now this is going to be interesting, oh, not whether or not Quinn Ewers can play the position better, but what in the world the Dolphins will do about that contract of Tua's? They owe him, already, $54 million guaranteed for next year. And here is the kicker, if he is on the team on March 15 of 2026, $3 million if his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed. If not and they cut or trade him, they get a $99 million dead money cap hit. Oh, you want to be clever and split that up as a post June 1 release, $67 million this year and $31 million in dead money next year. The Browns part 2

Wow, has the worm turned. Rivers was barely passable, pun intended. 120 yards on 18 completions? Either he has put on a ton of weight or he is wearing more armor than King Richard did when he went to war. They have 3 tough games left, and are likely to finish 8-9, expected when you lose your starting qb, but then who expected Jones to play as he did... I guess Richardson is done there..

Sadly I agree, I don't think that this will be much of a game for very long. This defense is terrible at staying home, covering the backside of the line of scrimmage. The Pats love to use cut back runs. Fitting I suppose as it will be another game they would have won last year, especially at home