New England Patriots – Everett Leader Herald

Patriot’s victory a triumph

A TV frame ofNew England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton heads off the field at Gillette Stadium after winning in the empty stadium. (Photo by Josh Resnek)

By JOSH RESNEK

The Pat’s victory Sunday over the Dolphins raised spirits here substantially.

Without quarterback Tom Brady leading the pack into the new season for the first time in two decades, there were many, many questions about how the team would perform.

What was missing from the victory?

People in the stands.

There weren’t any.

The cheering we heard after a good play or a score or a great run, were canned cheering.

Canned cheering is to an empty football stadium where the game is being played on the field what canned laughter is to sit-coms shown on television.

America loves canned laughter.

I don’t. I’ve always hated it, made fun of it, mimicked it and finally turned the station. Not so with canned cheering at yesterday’s football matchup between the Patriots now led by Cam Newton facing the Dolphins.

Pats sign Cam Newton, players say it’s brilliant

League reacts as star QB heads to Foxborough

By LORENZO RECUPERO

In March Tom Brady officially left the Patriot’s and signed up to be a Buccaneer and suddenly, the juggernaut of the AFC (and the entire NFL, really) was relegated from a postseason fixture to a playoff wannabe.

Suddenly, all that has changed, and the Patriots are once again hovering closer to the top of the AFC (and NFL) power rankings with the signing of former league MVP, quarterback Cam Newton.

News of Newton’s signing with the Patriots blasted off around the league like the ceremonial muskets fired once the home team scores a touchdown at Gillette Stadium.

Pats have work cut out with tough schedule, replacing Tom Brady

Screen Shot 2020-05-13 at 6.10.54 PM — New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick at a press conference in 2019. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

By LORENZO RECUPERO

The NFL officially released the schedule for the New England Patriots 2020 season and it isn’t a particularly easy one.

The 16 opponents on the schedule have a combined .530 winning percentage from a season ago.

Because of this (and you know, losing arguably the best quarterback in NFL history), the sports media is abuzz with predictions the Patriots and Coach Belichick will lay down and tank (purposely lose games to secure a higher draft pick) in order to get a chance at the multi-talented, extremely coveted Clemson quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, in next year’s draft.

Amongst the pundits, the Pats’ season slate was labeled a ‘perfect tanking for Trevor schedule’.

After losing out in the bring-Tom-Brady-back sweepstakes, such a schedule and a chance at Trevor is a huge break for the rebuilding Pats and ol’ faithful schemer Belichick, right?

Not exactly.

And here’s why.

First, if we are to dispel the theory of the Pats tanking, we have to look closely at all angles and at the biggest development this off-season: quarterback Tom Brady has left the building.

Continue reading Pats have work cut out with tough schedule, replacing Tom Brady

Patriots trade Gronkowski for fourth round draft pick

Tight end joins Tom Brady in Tampa Bay: says he’s ready to play again

BY LORENZO RECUPERO

In a development completely shocking to all New England sports fans, Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski is back from retirement.

But his return won’t be spent with the Patriots.

The entire NFL world was rattled again by news coming out of New England. First it was the greatest quarterback to ever play the game who made his departure, and now the greatest tight to ever play the game will officially be picking up his things and moving on as well.

After flirting with a return for a full season and play- ing with the emotions of all New Englanders, Gronk announced Tuesday he will come out of retirement — to play ball with Tom Brady down south.

Continue reading Patriots trade Gronkowski for fourth round draft pick

A noisy, meaningless, empty Super Sunday without Pats

Screen Shot 2020-02-05 at 9.49.11 PM.png — Without Tom Brady and the Patriots playing in the Super Bowl it was hard to pay attention to. (Photo by Josh Resnek)

By Josh Resnek

The Super Bowl without Tom Brady and the Patriots was a world championship game without much meaning for New England football fans.

I speak for most of us New England Patriots devotees who watched the Super Bowl, who lamented at the same time that the Pats, led by the GOAT (Brady), were not in it.

Until the day of the game we weren’t caring who was going to win or lose. We were mostly considering whether or not Brady would leave the Pats after two decades and six Super Bowls, or whether he will stay.

The game came and went. Patrick Mahomes and former Pat Jimmy Garoppolo engaged in a battle destined to be won by Mahomes daring and precision near the end when needed most with just 6 minutes to go.

Again, who really cared among us from around here? I didn’t.

Continue reading A noisy, meaningless, empty Super Sunday without Pats