Mike Giardi: Patriots’ ownership still continue to grapple with free-agency spending spree in 2021
During a recent segment on the Toucher & Rich radio program, Fred, Rich, and Boston Sports Journal‘s Mike Giardi, discussed the New England Patriots’ potential mid-season changes due to their recent struggles. There has been speculation among writers about internal discussions concerning a coaching change if the team’s poor performance continues.
future of Bill Belichick on the mind of every Patriots fans, Giardi suggesting that the Kraft family might be hesitant to make a mid-season coaching change.
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Despite the Patriots’ subpar performance, Giardi proposed that the Kraft family may not be prepared to make a decisive change just yet, and they could opt to give Belichick another year. The dialogue extended to issues related to spending and salary cap management, as well as how the team is perceived externally.
Giardi also noted that the team’s ownership hasn’t gotten over the spending spree a few years back, even in a league with a salary cap delves into the dynamics of the Krafts/Belichick and the team’s financial decisions. in 2021, the Patriots spent a whopping $162 million dollars in free agency. The dynamics between the Kraft family and Bill Belichick, as well as the team’s financial decisions, were also scrutinized. Additionally, the absence of Tom Brady’s caliber was emphasized as a significant factor in the team’s recent struggles.
Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi: “If we get into the situation where we’re talking about how it is perceived by people outside the organized fan base, so you can’t run it back? You can’t run it back with Billy. You can’t run it back. Well, plenty of people are like that, but it’s not Bill’s fault. It’s that they won’t let him spend money. Which is why they’re in lockstep. Why?”
Fred Toucher: “Because I hear this a lot.in a capped league. I don’t get that.
Rich Shertenlieb: “What happened three years ago when they did all that spending?”
Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi: “The ownership still hasn’t sort of gotten over having to spend that much.”
Rich Shertenlieb: “So what’s the deal with that? What is the deal in a league with the cap? What is the deal with spending money on them?”
Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi: “Well, I mean, what are they in the last five years? Are they 28th or 29th in actual cash spending? I’m telling you what people are at, but the feedback I get from the fan base about why it’s not Bill’s fault. I think, quite frankly, that Bill and the Krafts work in lockstep with that whole thing. I think Bill kind of gets off on not having to spend as much money and still producing for the better part of two decades and producing championship-level teams. But I think as we’ve, you know, had hammered over the last three and a half years, the guy that used to play quarterback had a lot to do with being able to play on a championship level.”
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Nick Gemelli is a Producer for the Toucher and Rich program and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. you can follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.
Analyzing Patriots' super positive press release, which highlights the good from Week 9 loss
During yesterday’s Toucher & Rich radio program, Rich and Fred delved into the New England Patriots‘ weekly press release, also known as “Game Notes,” which typically highlight positive aspects of the team’s recent games. The guys shared their thoughts on finding silver linings in a game that hadn’t gone well, which has been a common occurrence with the team this season.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown during the first half in the game against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
On Sunday, the New England Patriots had yet another tough game. Despite their struggles, they stayed somewhat competitive until the fourth quarter, but they couldn’t overcome penalties and turnovers, and the game ended with a 20-17 loss to the Washington Commanders. The Patriots’ season record is now abysmal 2-7. Mac Jones was 24-44, with 220 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, resulting in a passer rating of 66.5.
The Patriots’ PR team regularly provides “Game Notes” that aim to emphasize the positive takeaways from each game. This standard practice offers the media a chance to focus on the team’s achievements, even in tough situations.
Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) runs the ball out of the end zone after an interception during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
This week’s “Game Notes” prominently featured running back Rhamondre Stevenson, with his career-long 64-yard run and three touchdowns of at least 30 yards were highlighted as standout moments.
COMMANDERS-PATRIOTS GAME NOTES:
Rhamondre Stevenson has career-long 64-yard touchdown run.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots runs the ball for a touchdown in the game against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Stevenson had a career-best 64-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. His previous longest run was 49 yards against Detroit on October 9, 2022, and his prior longest touchdown run was a 34-yarder in a game against Las Vegas on December 18, 2022.
Stevenson has third touchdown of 30 yards or more for his career.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots reacts after a first down during the first quarter in the game against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Stevenson has three touchdown runs of at least 30 yards. He had a 64-yard run in the recent game and previous runs of 31 yards and 34 yards in previous games.
Ja’Whaun Bentley has first career two-sack game
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: New England Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley #8 walks onto the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Bentley had a great game with his first-ever two-sack performance in the fourth quarter. He made a 1-yard sack and a 3-yard sack, with the second one stopping a Washington drive during a 3rd-and-6 situation.
Bentley led the team with 13 total tackles.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: New England Patriots Ja’Whaun Bentley #8 walks off of the field after the Patriots defeat the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Bentley had his 12th game in his career with 10 or more tackles, leading the team with 13 total tackles. This was his second game in 2023 with at least 10 tackles; he had 11 total tackles against New Orleans on October 8th.
Schooler has third straight game with two special teams tackles
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 10: Brenden Schooler #41 of the New England Patriots looks on before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Schooler made three special teams tackles in the game, bringing his total for the 2023 season to 11. According to the Game Notes, This is the second year in a row that he has reached double-digit special teams tackles. In his rookie year in 2022, he had 14 special teams tackles, including 11 solo tackles.
Tavai has first forced fumble s a member of the Patriots
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Jahlani Tavai #48 of the New England Patriots reacts after an interception during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
As highlighted in the latest Game Notes, Jahlani Tavia caused his first fumble as a Patriot by stripping the ball from RB Brian Robinson Jr. The fumble was recovered by DL Davon Godchaux at the Washington 25-yard line. This turnover set up the Patriots’ first touchdown
Dugger picks off Washington in end zone
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 01: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots celebrates an interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Kyle Dugger intercepted a pass in the end zone from Washington QB Sam Howell with just 23 seconds left in the first half. This prevented Washington from scoring and gave the Patriots a 14-10 lead at halftime.
Baringer has fourth 60-yard punt
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Bryce Baringer #17 of the New England Patriots punts the ball during the first half in the game against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Bryce Baringer kicked a 60-yard punt in the fourth quarter, marking his fourth punt of 60 yards or more this season. According to the Game Notes, He previously had a 65-yard punt in the season opener against Philadelphia on September 10, a 64-yard punt against Buffalo on October 22, and a 63-yard punt in the game at Miami on October 29.
