Patriots Enter Free Agency With A Bang

Tuesday the Patriots, entered the NFL Free Agency with a bang. They added 8 pieces the most team history. Coming to terms were tight end Jonu Smith, defensive end Matthew Judon from Baltimore, wide receiver Nelson Agholor from the Raiders, Defensive end Henry Anderson of the Jets. Other signings were Davon Godchaux defensive tackle from the Jets, Jalen Mills Defensive back from Philadelphia. As of Wednesday, they locked up tight end Hunter Henry from the LA Chargers. In this post, we will review three reasons why these signings will improve the Patriots in 2021.

Tight End Position Addressed

For the first time in three seasons, the Patriots strengthened the tight end department. Si With the addition of Hunter Henry and Jonu Smith, quarterback Cam Newton has two huge targets to work with.

The 2020 draft class of Dalton Keene and Devin Asiasi did not pan out. Outside of Asiasi and Keene, the club has Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse. In 16 games last tight end department accounted for only 7 catches. Both Henry and Smith are elite blockers, which is a significant upgrade.

How Much Are They Improved From 2020?

The next question is how much are they improved from 2020. Head coach Bill Belichick has completely reshaped the roster. Jonu Smith and Hunter Henry are a significant upgrade. Edge rusher Matthew Judon is an All_Pro pass _ rusher.

In, Hunter Henry, the team is getting a quality tight end. In five seasons as a Charger, he has caught 196 receptions for 21 touchdowns. He is also an excellent blocker. Jonu Smith on the other hand provides many skills. He is one of the best route runners in the league and possesses excellent blocking skills. In, four years at Tennessee, he totaled 114 receptions and 16 touchdowns.

By signing Hunter and Smith, it marks the first time since the successful duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

Risky Moves Versus Quality Moves

Receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne are considered risky. In four years as an Eagle, Agholor had two decent seasons. In Kendrick Bourne, the team is getting another slot receiver. Overall, they should give the offense a huge boost.

As for the quality signings Hunter Henry, Jonu Smith, and Matthew Judon are all skilled players. Defensive back Jalen Mills brings stability and depth to the defensive backfield.

Conclusion

In all the signings fans have renowned hope in the Patriots again. Losing Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski was a culture shock. It was nice to see the Patriots being aggressive.

Lack Of Defense Costing 2021 Celtics

The Celtic’s play as of late has been disappointing. Lack of defense is costing the 2021 Celtics. Any chance of a top seed in the NBA East is quietly dwindling before our eyes. If there is a bright spot, it’s the healthy return of Kemba Walker. Walker recently came off his best effort in a win over Indiana. In this post, we will evaluate three why the Celtics are struggling.

Brad Stevens Coaching Style Has Been Questionable

Head coach Brad Stevens is being criticized for his lack of toughness with the players. Fans and the media question Steven’s toughness with his veteran players such as Jayson Tatum.

Tatum has been up and down with his play this season. One night he’s on, the next night he’s off. Trade rumors are surfacing. If the Celtics do not put together a winning streak, the road may get a little bumpier for Brad Stevens.

In any event,the the club needs to tighten up and close out games. Overall,the team has blown leads to the Pelicans and have fallen off the top of the NBA East.

Playing Soft Defensively

As a whole, the organization ranks 16th in the league defensively. Last season they were one of the best defensive units in the NBA. Losing large leads against weaker teams has hurt them. The confidence has slipped. The Celtics need to get back to fundamentals and start to regain some ground they lost in the East.

The tough defense is what kept the Celtics deep in last year’s playoff run. Closing out games has been an issue. Forward, Jayson Tatum needs to get his confidence back. The only consistent player has been star forward Jaylen Brown.

Team Needs To Improve In The Shooting Department

This season the Celtics rank 12th in shooting with 358% from the 3 point area. With Kemba Walker getting healthier, time will tell. But overall, the club has been inconsistent. Guard Marcus Smart will be out for quite some time. Rookie Payton Pritchard has been piling up considerable minutes as a two_ guard.

Conclusion

With 35 games left, time is on the Celtics side. Kemba Walker is getting better with each game. If the team can stay healthy and Marcus Smart returns soon a deep playoff run is possible.