The Patriots had a pair of players – Tom Brady and Stephon Gilmore – named to the Pro Bowl Tuesday night. It marks the fewest amount of Patriots selected since 2008, which also happens to be the last time New England failed to make the playoffs.
ESPN.com writes about the two picks and makes some interesting points regarding the dearth of candidates.
The Boston Globe tells us not to worry about the Patriots current plight because something always seems to break the team's way at this time of year. In addition to the teams ahead of them in the standing, the Patriots should focus on some that are currently behind them as well.
Rookie corner J.C. Jackson has played well after being thrown into the fire late in the season.
The Boston Herald has Devin McCourty talking about tough coaching being nothing new in Foxborough. Also, Karen Guregian writes that Brady can no longer cover up for the holes on the roster. The Patriots need a draft like 2010’s to refuel the roster.
NBC Sports Boston has Dont'a Hightower explaining how the team’s struggles stopping the run go beyond simple schemes. Bill Belichick offered a defense for Brady in the wake of the late-game decisions that hurt the Patriots in Pittsburgh. Speaking of late-game decisions in Pittsburgh, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels says Josh Gordon was out on the final play so the team could get a fresh body on the field.
Boston Sports Journal has the coaches talking about decision-making and execution. The Patriot Ledger says winning has been all about getting James White involved. WEEI.com has similar views regarding White.
In Buffalo, The Buffalo News expressed some surprised that the talented Bills defense was not represented with a single Pro Bowler. Receiver Robert Foster has been on the rise since the team decided to jettison Kelvin Benjamin a few weeks ago.
