The Patriot Way; there’s no correct answer or definition for it
Antonio
Garcia Jersey , but its along the lines of showing up on time, doing your
job, putting the team before yourself and just carrying yourself in a positive
manner.Julian Edelman embodies what it means to be a Patriot and follow “The
Patriot Way.”However, it never came easy for him.You know the story: No
scholarship offers out of High School, went to JUCO, played quarterback at Kent
State, wasn’t invited to the combine, drafted in the seventh round, never played
receiver or special teams until the NFL all the way to a three time Super Bowl
champion, Super Bowl MVP and Tom Brady’s go-to guy and best friend.We have seen
some interesting receiver stories the last two decades in the New England
Patriots organization. From Wes Welker to Chris Hogan to Troy Brown, the
Patriots have had their fair share of success stories. However, none of them
quite reach Julian Edelman’s.Edelman may have been doubted throughout his life
but it was never for his work ethic, that went unmatched according to his
father, Frank.It was the summer of
2010
Dont'a
Hightower Jersey , following Edelman’s rookie season and he was searching
for trust and a closer relationship with Tom Brady.Edelman’s agent found him a
spot back home in California, which happened to be close to where Brady would be
that off-season, that way Edelman could be there for Brady’s throwing sessions —
but mainly to gain the trust he needed from #12.Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY
SportsOnce the Patriots decided to let Wes Welker walk and he signed with the
Denver Broncos after the 2012 season, it opened up an opportunity for Edelman
after catching just 69 passes in his first four years in the league. Edelman did
what he did his entire life; took the opportunity and ran with it.Edelman would
rack up 105 catches for 1,056 yards in his first full season playing receiver on
a consistent basis, and Tom Brady didn’t have to look any further than right
next to him when trying to find his next ‘go-to guy.’The friendship and circle
of trust took off as Edelman became Brady’s stall mate, go-to man, little
brother and best friend. The duo has combined for records that we haven’t seen
before as Brady and Edelman have the most receptions (115) and receiving yards
(1,412) in postseason history.The hard-work and determination came to a full
circle after Edelman was named MVP of Super Bowl 53 with 10 catches for 141
years. He came to a knee and got a bit emotional, soaking it all in before being
greeted by teammates and his third Lombardi Trophy.Edelman represents what it’s
like to be a Patriot, but he really shows what it’s like to be a true
professional and to continue to work hard even through adversity or doubt. The
New England Patriots recorded their first road victory of the season last week,
and will now have a chance to win two in a row – and to extend their current win
streak to five: on Monday night, the Patriots will play a 2-5 Buffalo Bills team
features an average defense and an offense that ranks dead last in the NFL when
it comes to scoring.Let’s analyze the matchup by taking a look at some of the
advanced stats heading into the game (courtesy of SB Nation’s Bill Connelly; for
his methodology please click here).Patriots offense vs Bills defenseNormal down
and distance in the open fieldIn the open field – between the offense’s 10 and
defense’s 30 – the Bills actually match up relatively evenly with Tom Brady and
company. There are two noticeable outliers, though: third down distance and big
plays. Despite improving slightly when compared to last
week
Authentic
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when it comes to producing plays of 20+ yards. Buffalo’s defense, on the other
hand, is one of the NFL’s best in stopping them. Don’t expect the Patriots to
suddenly turn into an explosive offense this week.Backed Up Situations Near the
Goal LineThe Patriots continue to improve their success rate when backed up,
with the turnover percentage still hurting from a tipped week one interception.
The Bills’ defense, meanwhile, ranks relatively well when it comes to limiting
an offense’s effectiveness inside the opposing 10-yard line.Red ZoneLast week,
the Patriots were able to slightly improve most of their red zone statistics.
Against Buffalo, they could have a chance to continue this trend: while the
Bills defense is among the league’s best when it comes to limiting success – an
offense gaining 50% of necessary yardage on first down, 70% on second down, and
100% on third and fourth down – between the 20 and 30, the unit struggles the
closer it gets to its own goal line. Third DownsThe Patriots’ overall third down
conversion rate (44.2%) ranks them eighth in the league – and the advanced stats
show that the team is among the best in the NFL no matter the situation.
Buffalo’s defense, meanwhile, has its fair share of problems on third downs.
This, in
turn
Limited
Brandon Bolden Jersey , could help New England control the tempo of
Monday’s game.Blitz SituationsWhile the overall matchup between New England’s
offense and Buffalo’s defense favors the visitors, the Bills actually match up
well when it comes to sack rate in blitz situations – obvious passing downs
specified as first-and-18 or more, second-and-14 or more, and third-and-3 or
more. Facing a normally aggressive pass rush for the second week in a row should
be another good test for a Patriots offensive line that is performing well this
season but might again miss starting right tackle Marcus Cannon.Patriots defense
vs Bills offenseNormal down and distance in the open fieldWhile the Patriots
defense is inconsistent in the open field, it faces a very favorable matchup
this week no matter the category: the Bills’ offense has major issues when it
comes to moving the football, sustaining drives, or generating big plays. New
England’s defense – despite its weaknesses – should be able to find success
against this unit and generate some momentum moving forward.Backed Up Situations
Near the Goal LineThe Patriots are no world beaters when having an opposing
offense pinned down inside its 10-yard line, but the statistical matchup still
favors them over an offense that has a hard time moving the football when backed
up – and when not backed up, it does not really make much of a difference.Red
ZoneWhile they struggle in the open field, the Bills offense is among the
league’s best when it comes to effectiveness in the red zone (to be fair, they
do have a smaller sample size than other teams). That being said, New England’s
defense is improving in this area of the field as well and took a noticeable
step forward when compared to last week’s advanced stats report.Third DownsNew
England’s defense is getting slightly better when it comes to defending third
downs, but it still is one of the least successful teams in stopping
third-and-medium as well as third-and-short. Luckily for the unit, it will go
against an offense on Monday that is bad on keeping drives alive no matter the
yardage it has to gain.
Overall
James
White Jersey , the Bills convert just 27.4% of their third down tries –
second worst in the league.Blitz SituationsObvious passing situations are not
exactly the Patriots’ defensive strong suit, but as is the case with plenty of
other categories they are again favored over the Bills offense. When forced to
play from behind the sticks, Buffalo is usually unable to dig itself out of the
hole.While Buffalo has some sneaky strengths – goal line offense, open field
defense – the Patriots match up very well against the team and, at least from a
statistical perspective, should be able to come away with a win. That being
said, New England will still need to find a way to overcome some of its
personnel losses (Sony Michel will be out, Rob Gronkowski and Marcus Cannon
might be limited) and recent turnover issues. All in all, though, it is hardly a
surprise that the Patriots are seen as 13-point favorites.
