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Patriots All Of A Sudden Are In The 2021 Playoff Hunt

The Patriots all of a sudden are in the 2021 playoff Hunt. After a disappointing season opener, the team has pulled off three straight wins. Sunday marks the half_way point. The patriots entertain the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Rookie quarterback Mac jones has struggled the past two weeks. The Browns running game will be without Nick Chubb and Demetrick Felton. In this post, we will examine three areas the Patriots need to focus on in order to stay in the playoff conversation.

Stop The Run

The 5-4 Browns will be without backs, DeMetrick Felton, and Nick Chubb. In nine games thus far, Chubb for 721 yards. The Patriots have improved in stopping the run.

With three backs out, the pressure will fall on the receiver, D’Earnest Johnson. Cleveland has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield could be in for a long afternoon. The Patriot’s defensive backfield has been impressive.

Eliminate Foolish Penalties

The Patriots have been victims of foolish penalties as of late. In week nine versus Carolina, both teams played sloppy, disorganized football. The Patriots are getting called for too many off_sides calls, false starts, and too many players on the field.

Cutting back on the penalties will increase the time of possession and more chances to score. Veteran tackle Isaiah Wynn has committed five penalties in nine games.

The team needs to focus on fundamentals and protect Mac Jones.

Get The Tight Ends Involved

With both teams suffering backfield issues, it’s time to get the tight ends involved. The past two weeks Jones has found nice chemistry with Hunter Henry. I say keep it going. the other issue is to get Jonnu Smith involved.

conclusion

The Patriots are catching a break this week. Both Demetrick Felton and Nick Chubb are out . As for new England, they will be without Damien Harris. In order for The Patriots to win, the offensive line, needs to bring its A _game. Cutback on the foolish penalties and protect Mac Jones.

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Red Sox OffSeaspn Wish List This Winter

With the World Series in the books, It’s time to examine the Red Sox off _season wish list this winter. MLB Free Agency officially opens for business. The Red Sox list of free agents includes Jose Inglesias, Travis Shaw, Adam Ottavino, Hansel Robles, JD Martinez, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Kyle Schwarber. Out of the group, Rodriguez is the most obvious to sign. Currently, Rodriguez has an 8.3 million dollar salary. Rodriguez was the club’s ace in 2021. But with a high ERA of 4.70, the Red Sox may want to consider a cheaper option. Schwarber was acquired at the trade deadline, where he hit 291 with 7 home runs and 18 RBI’s. At 1.5 million, the Sox could say goodbye, to JD Martinez and make Schwarber an everyday outfielder.

Bullpen Issues

Every major league team needs to beef up its bullpen. The Red Sox are no different. In 2021, the club exceeded expectations with 92 wins. The bullpen finished the season with 49 saves second best in the league. The team ERA was a modest4.26 seventh _best in the American League.

The Red Sox payroll stands at 147 million dollars for the 2022 season. That means that they may lose Eduardo RodriguezEduardo Rodriguez. Currently, Rodriguez earns 8 million dollars per year. Look for that to double if he tests the free_ agent market. Potential fer_agents include Liam Hendricks of Oakland, Brad Hand, Toronto, Jake McGee, Colorado, Joakim Soria, and Archie Bradley of the Reds.

With the team’s salary cap issues, I like Brad Hand and Joakim Soria. Forget getting Liam Hendriks. although he saved 38 games last year, his price tag will be too high. As for Hand, he was released last year by the Nationals and claimed by the. Mets.

Starting Pitching Concerns

This is where it gets interesting. This year’s free_agent class is immense. Some notable names are Freddie Freeman, Joc Pederson, Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, Michael Pineda, Justin Velrander.

If Rodriguez departs, I like Michael Pineda on a two_year deal. Despite issues with elbow inflammation he would bring solid value.

Option number two would be to release Garrett Richards and Martin Perez. A perfect fit would be Justin Verlander on a one year. My third choice is Robbie Ray. Ray is a gutsy player whose stock has risen. An excellent fastball, slider, and curveball would be ideal in Fenway.

Depth Issues

Overall, the Red Sox roster is stacked. Forget the team going after a big name. One name that would help is Marcus Semien. Semien had a career year belting 45 homers, and knocking in 102 RBI’s, for Toronto. Would be the perfect Fenway hitter. A two_year deal is a possibility until prospect Nick Yorke is ready. The issue is his 18 million dollar salary.

Another upgrade need is the outfield. Danny Santana isn’t enough. Some names to consider are Michael Conforto, and Dodger utility man Chris Taylor.

Conclusion

Team president Chaim Bloom has some work to do. Fans are impatient for another championship. A lot depends on what Rodriguez does. Look for JD Martinez to opt_ out. Kyle Schwarber would be a perfect replacement.