Fixing a Hole

The Patriots were handed their first loss of the young season on Sunday. On Monday, they traded for Josh Gordon.

They fixed a hole.

The question is, which hole did they fix? From where I sit, there are two reasons for the Patriots make this trade. One, the deal was just too good to pass up and they would have made the trade under any circumstances. The other is that they saw a hole in their offense exposed by the Jaguars on Sunday.

My guess is it’s the second one. The Patriots probably felt that Gronk and Hogan were just a bit too easy to cover without any other big receiver weapons. Especially without Edelman. Moving forward, that wouldn’t work. So, the Pats made a move.

It’s a risky move. Gordan has severe substance abuse issues, which have caused him to miss most of the last couple seasons due to suspensions and rehab. So, can he hold it together long enough to stay on the field? That’s a pretty big “if”. On the bright side, as opposed to an injury risk, there’s an assumption that if he is on the field he’ll be performing well. There is also always the question of picking up the complicated Patriots offense. How fluid will he be with only a couple days of practice under his belt? Some receivers pick it up quickly, some never seem to. That’s a lot of questions about a guy who will be your number one reciever on a team hoping for a title.

Unless, that’s not what he is.

What if the “hole” that needs to be filled is the one Edelman is expecting to fill. What if the Patriots aren’t looking for a deep threat in the Super Bowl? What if they’re looking for a number three receiver for the next two weeks? Or, even a decoy for the next two weeks? Just someone that the other defenses have to react to enough to free up Gronk and Hogan. Then, by the time they realize he’s not figuring out the offense or by the time he is off the field again, Edelman is back and they don’t need him anymore.

Asking Josh Gordan to lead your receiving corps for the season is a big risk. Asking him to take some pressure off Gronk and Hogan the next two games? That’s practically a guarantee.

So, that’s the risk-reward the Pats have righht now. It’s also a win-win. Risk? He only makes is two weeks, and is completely ineffective before you need to move on from him for any number of reasons. Well, that’s a win. He was the stopgap you needed. Reward? He shapes up. He stays clean. He’s an all pro wide receiver and helps bring you to a title. Anither win. A win-win, risk-reward is practically unheard of.

Belichick did it again.

One Win Down!

So, not sure what you were expecting out of an opening week game. But, that’s about what it should have been.

The Patriots seem to really hold onto the concept of feeling things out for the beginning of the season, and then fine tuning things once they know what they’ve got. So thats what I felt was going on this weekend. Lots of wondering who can do what, and who can’t do what.

What worked? The offense seemed to have things figured out. Brady was able to hit multiple targets, multiple times. The only concern I’d have in that area is how often he seemed to force it into Gronk. There were a couple times, including the first touchdown, where Gronk was expected to just beat the double coverage on him and make the catch. I understand that he usually makes catches in those situations, and as I said it did result in a score. But moving forward, I hope he doesn’t start feeling like Gronk in the only option, even in good coverage. I hope the other guys can show they can make the catch when needed. Otherwise Gronk is going to have five guys covering him on every third down.

The defense also looked like they had their stuff together. It’s always tough, especially after just one game, to know whether your defense is that good, or their offense is that bad. But I tend to think it was the defense controlling the game, which is a great sign.

It was also a great sign that the announcers were practically begging to call JJ Watt’s name, but didn’t have the chance for a long time. The fact that they kept him off of Brady for so long is another great sign going forward. Even if the Patriots always seem to do a good job controlling him.

Bad stuff? Turnovers. I know the Brady interception was on a tip, and Gronk hasn’t lost a fumble in the last six years or so, and fumbling on a kick return obviously gets you cut the next day. But, that’s clearly an area they should, and will, clean up moving forward.

They’ll need to against Jacksonville.

It's Opening Day!

It's the day we've all been waiting so long for! The Patriots open their season today against the Texans. And, you know what that means!

It's your first chance to see the New England Patriots Cheerleaders!

Here's at Section 36 we're especially excited to see two rookie cheerleaders finally be able to perform on the big stage. Yes, we may be a bit biased, but they're definitely two of the best on the team.

Jonét Nichelle

You probably remember Jonét's wonderful interview with Section 36 a few months ago. She did a wonderful job as we discussed her new NEPC role, and her time as Miss Litchfield County.

Nicolette Peloquin

Nicolette visited Section 36 during her time as Miss Rhode Island, before making the NEPC squad. When she visited, we discussed her time with that crown, her upcoming appearance at Miss America, and her work with "Be the Match" and bone marrow donations. We'll have to see if she can visit again sometime to ask her about her time as a NEPC rookie!

So, while you're watching Brady and Gronk do their thing against the Texans today, be sure to keep your eye out for Jonét and Nicolette!

I know I will!