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Why The Patriots Defense Is Super Bowl Material

Now that Super Bowl 52 is in the record books it’s time to open another chapter for the New England Patriots. The Patriots are coming off a stunning loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. Of course, the story of the game was backup quarterback Nick Foles. Foles took over late in the season after an injury to starter Carson Wentz. Foles put the critics behind him and led the underrated Eagles to a 41-33 victory. Not to mention throwing for 373 yards and compiling a 97.5 % passing rating. But through everything Patriots, fans have reason to be optimistic for the upcoming 2018 season. In this post, we will review three areas why the Patriots defense is Super Bowl material.                                                                                                                                                                                Why The Patriots Defense Is Super Bowl Material

Improved Front Seven                                                                                                                        Anyone who is a fan of Bill Belichick knows how much he thrives on depth and versatility. Despite not playing Malcolm Butler in The Super Bowl he retooled the defense in the offseason.                                                                                                             Previous Patriot defenses have a reputation for their strong front seven. The first order of business was to improve the pass rush which was non_ existent in the Super Bowl.  Free agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn was signed from Atlanta. Clayborn Clayborn a seven_ year veteran has started 81 career games. The former 1st round draft pick by Tampa will provide depth and pass rushing skills                                                                                                                                              In addition to  Clayborn the team signed defensive tackle Danny Shelton from Cleveland. Shelton a three_ year veteran has played in 46 career games totaling 71 career tackles. If Clayborn and Shelton can stay healthy, then they should be a vast improvement in stopping the oppositions running game.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Improved Pass Coverage                                                                                                                       In 2017 the club gave up a total of 4400 yards passing. In the Super Bowl, Foles had a career day throwing for 373 yards To shore up the defensive backfield Belichick drafted cornerback Duke Dawson out of Florida. Dawson who has a reputation of being an exceptional cover man and should provide depth when the team goes to dime coverage.                                                                           Also joining the backfield is former Brown Jason McCourty. McCourty, the younger brother of safety Devin, brings eight years experience to the organization. Overall, McCourty has played in 122 career games with 16 interceptions and one touchdown.                                                                                                  With the addition of his brother Devin and Stephon Gilmore, the backfield should be much more dangerous in pass coverage.

Fresh Outlook                                                                                                                                              With a new defensive coordinator in Brian Flores, the Patriots have reasons to be optimistic this year. Even though the team lost one of the best defensive minds in the game in Matt Patricia, the Patriots defense should be better with the acquisitions of Shelton and Clayborn on the line. Also, keep in mind 2016 3rd round pick Derek Rivers. Rivers was one of the teams four picks in the deflate_ gate scandal. Rivers who is a pass rushing specialist out of Youngstown State. Rivers suffered a season_ ending knee injury during pre_ season last summer. If he can recuperate from surgery, look for him to compete for a starting position as an edge rusher.,

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Three Trade Scenarios For The Red Sox As Trade Deadline Approaches

The beauty of being a sports fan is following the trade deadline of each major sport. Primarily the trade deadline means that teams in the hunt can gain a player otherwise known as a rental. In this post, we will review three areas which hopefully the Red Sox will address on July 31st.

Three Trade Scenarios For the red sox as the Trade Deadline  Approaches

Move On From Jackie Bradley Jr

As it stands now Bradley is hitting a subpar 200 with 6 home runs and 25 runs batted in.  Make no mistake about it that he is one of the best center fielders in the game. But at the same time, he fails to deliver clutch base hits when needed. Despite the club having the best record in baseball, they will have to get key base hits from the bottom of the order if they expect to keep pace with the Yankees in the AL East..

With the organization lacking prospects Bradley is one chip with marketable trade value. One club who is in need desperately of outfielders is the Marlins. The Marlins are in dead last in the National League East  Two players who could be available are relievers Kyle Barraclough and Drew Stenkenrider.  Barraclough is ranked eighth among relievers with a 6-2 record and a 1.17 ERA, and 8 saves Stenkenrider is 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA, and 1 save.                                         ,

If Bradley continues his weak hitting the club may have no choice but to use Andrew Benintendi as the center and JD Martinez as the everyday left fielder and Mookie Betts in right field.

Help From Within

The first option that General Manager Dave Dombrowski will explore is help from within. Last season, for instance, the team acquired reliever Addison Reed from the Mets.  As it turns out the  Red Sox are in the same position this season.

One prospect to keep an eye on is southpaw Bobby Poyner. During spring training he earned a spot in the bullpen after gaining manager Alex Cora’s trust in spring training. Poyner has been up and down since the beginning of the season Since being sent to Triple _a Pawtucket he has pitched well  Two other possibilities may be left _hander Ty Buttrey and Travis Lakin: Lakin is 1-2 with a 2.73 ERA at Portland while Buttrey with a 2.11 ERA at Pawtucket.

Starting Pitching

Most teams at the trade deadline would like to shore up their pitching. Clubs like the Yankees, Cubs and Indians will be active.  Teams with the deep farm systems are usually the clubs who are the most successful at the deadline.   Look for the Yankees to be one of the busiest in a couple of weeks as they are rich with Major League ready prospects.

Despite the Red Sox posting the best record in baseball, there is always a need for an additional starter. Two pitchers who may be available are  Matt Harvey of the Reds and James Shields of the White Sox. Shields is in the last year of a four_year contract and would be a  perfect fit considering his experience.                                                                                                                                                                                      As for Matt Harvey, the longtime Met was released in May, and since being claimed by the Reds he has gone 4-3 with a 3.80 ERA. If Harvey can stay healthy and regain his old form he may turn out to be the best deal on the market.