New England Patriots links 1/03/24 – Defense still showing up strong in sunk season

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New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills
Anfernee Jennings a defensive standout from Sunday | Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images

Daily news and links for Wednesday.

TEAM TALK

LOCAL LINKS

  • Taylor Kyles’ Film Room: Which Patriots’ stocks are up and down ahead of the season finale.
  • Bernd Buchmasser and Taylor Kyles relay Bill O’Brien identifying what has gone wrong for the offense this season.
  • Matt Geagan spotlights the defensive standouts for the Patriots in the Week 17 loss.
  • Mike D’Abate notes Jerod Mayo gave a candid response to recent rumors of friction between him and members of the Pats personnel. “…it was more hurtful than anything.” Mayo said in a serious tone. “I found the timing to be a little bit weird in my opinion.”
  • Alex Barth highlights Jerod Mayo responding to reports that he “rubbed people the wrong way” after getting a new contract.
  • Karen Guregian lauds “potential Bill Belichick successor” Jerod Mayo for masterfully handling rebuttal to reports of anonymous-sourced criticisms. /Guess who Karen wants to replace Belichick? [insert eye-roll emoji here.]
  • Jordan Daly reports Kendrick Bourne hints at wanting to re-sign with the Patriots. Bourne missed most of this season with an ACL tear and is set to be a free agent.
  • Mike Kadlick highlights Bailey Zappe on how he would feel if the Pats selected a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft
  • Nick O’Malley wonders if there’s any chance Mac Jones gets another shot at QB for the Patriots.
  • Sean T. McGuire suggests the Patriots may be interested in the Bears’ No. 1 Pick. ESPN report hints at blockbuster trade: New England has a shot at the No. 2 overall pick entering Week 18.
  • Sean T. McGuire says the report that ‘no doubt’ Kyler Murray returns to the Cardinals is good news for the Pats.
  • Pats Procrastination podcast: Clare and Chudders get caught up with the win over the Broncos, the loss vs. the Bills, and argue about the future of the Patriots. (51 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Ben Solak (The Ringer) The Hot Read, Week 17: The Eagles are cooked; Plus: Lamar Jackson’s MVP statement game, Puka Nacua closes in on a rookie record, why the Commanders coaching job should be in demand, David Tepper’s tantrum, awards, and more.
  • Steven Ruiz (The Ringer) The six biggest questions heading into the final week of the NFL season: Who’ll win the battle for the AFC East between the Bills and Dolphins? Which coaches should be worried about Black Monday? And just how done are the Eagles? More.
  • Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Bailey Zappe looking forward to QB competition in 2024.
  • Jeff Kerr (CBS Sports) One thing we learned about each team in Week 17. Patriots: QB is the offseason priority: This has been beaten like a drum since Mac Jones was benched, but Bill Belichick (if he returns) has to get serious competition for Bailey Zappe next year.
  • Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Jerod Mayo: Rubbing people the wrong way part of being a leader.
  • Steven Ruiz (The Ringer) Updated QB rankings. Bailey Zappe 28th: “I tried, guys. I watched all the film. I looked at all the stats, and … I’ve got nothing. There is nothing interesting to say about a quarterback like Zappe. He can’t make all the throws, but he also doesn’t miss the ones he tries. He’ll navigate the pocket to avoid pressure, but if a pass rusher gets a hand on him, he’s going down. He won’t make any bad decisions, but he also won’t improvise, either. He’s not not slow, but he’s certainly not fast. Zappe is essentially the “replacement player” that WAR models are based on. He’s a movie that you kind of enjoyed but never need to see again. He’s … fine.” More. /Woof.
  • Matt Verderame (SI) NFL rookie stock watch Week 18: C.J. Stroud is the future in Houston. /All those pointing to the Texans as a way to rebuild, here’s the TLDR summary: Find the right QB.
  • Andrew Brandt (SI) Business of Football: Examining Russell Wilson’s benching and Broncos’ contract ultimatum.
  • Alaina Getzenberg (ESPN) What will decide Bills’ fate in huge matchup with Dolphins? /Who to root for in this one?
  • Jacob Camenker (Sporting News) Michael Penix Jr. draft stock, projections: Where experts have Washington QB going in 2024 NFL mock drafts.
  • Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Tom Brady closes in on the start of his broadcasting job at Fox.

BITCHING ‘BOUT BELICHICK

  • Tony Massarotti lays out how the case for firing Bill Belichick is as stacked as it has ever been.
  • Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry preview Robert Kraft’s and Bill Belichick’s end-of-season meeting: Will Belichick appeal to Kraft’s ‘humanity’ in end-of-season meeting? Bill Belichick might be compelled to turn on the charm in an attempt to keep his job. /Afraid you’ll look silly if Kraft doesn’t go through with the “decision” that you reported was already made after the loss to the Colts in Germany? Priming the fans for if the Pats keep him. lol.
  • Tyler Sullivan (CBS Sports) Ranking NFL head-coaching candidates for 2024: All eyes on Bill Belichick’s possible Patriots departure. No. 1. Bill Belichick. /Wait… he’s so bad that he has to be fired, but so good he’s No. 1 rehire?
  • Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) As end possibly arrives, Bill Belichick retains laser focus.
  • Adam London’s Patriots Rumors: Staff members ‘bracing for change’ after season. /Big changes every season.

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