DEC. 27 BRONCOS BENCH RUSS, TURN TO FORMER PATRIOTS QB – The Denver Broncos have made the unexpected decision to bench star quarterback Russell Wilson and give the offense to Jarrett Stidham, a former draft choice of the New England Patriots. With the Broncos’ hopes of making the playoffs all but gone at 7-8, head coach Sean Payton is making a big change for the final two games of the season after Wilson was ineffective in their Christmas Eve upset loss to the Patriots. The decision is also influenced by financial and playing-time factors. After being selected by the Pats in the 2019 draft, Stidham played in eight games as a backup over the following two years. DEC. 17 ‘NO LIES’: The New England Patriots’ season-long record fell to 3-11 after their 27-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The loss wasn’t without controversy, though, as veteran Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon voiced his opinions regarding the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes receiving preferential treatment from the officials. Judon replied, “I see no lies,” to a tweet that included an altered image of Mahomes kissing a referee. The phony Mahomes photo clearly suggests that the Chiefs were fortunate to have a defensive holding penalty called against New England during the Chiefs’ first drive of the second half, negating Jabrill Peppers’ fumble recovery. This occurs just one week after Mahomes and Chiefs coach Andy Reid were fined by the NFL for publicly criticizing the controversial offside call made by the referees during their 20-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Even though it was only for a short while and didn’t seem to have an impact on the play’s outcome, the Pats had a handful of jersey on the play. GM AND COACH OF THE CHARGERS FIRED ON DEC. 15, MAKING ROOM FOR BELICHICK? – The Chargers and the legendary Bill Belichick of the Patriots have been connected throughout the season; following L.A. General manager Tom Telesco and coach Brandon Staley were fired on Friday morning. While the team is experiencing its worst season in thirty years, there are those in New England who think owner Robert Kraft has already decided to sever ties with Belichick. Before Sunday’s home game against the Chiefs, Belichick is downplaying all rumors and brushing off questions about his future, per his tight-lighted DNA. However, others who worked with the team don’t think it’s a “done deal.” In the event that Kraft chooses to trade Belichick—who is signed through 2024—the Chargers are now a more desirable partner and destination. Belichick would probably demand, as he has for decades, not only head-coaching responsibilities but also personnel control as the de facto general manager. Following these actions following a historic Thursday night loss to the Raiders, the Chargers now have openings at both positions. According to a recent report from ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, Belichick is reportedly leaving Foxboro and has already chosen his next team. DEC. 12 DABOLL SHUTS DOWN COMPARISONS BETWEEN TOM BRADY AND TOMMY DEVITO: As of right now, their first names are the only similarity between the two players. Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants responded to a question that might have compared Brady’s ascent to that of his third-string quarterback, DeVito, as Big Blue experiences a mini-resurgence. Immediately, Daboll refuted any notion that they are similar in any way—at least not right now. According to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, Daboll stated, “We’re four games in. That’s a long time ago.” Simply put, each circumstance is unique. I doubt I could provide you with the response you seek. I was unable to provide you with a tangible story or anything similar. Although Brady’s ascent is clearly well-documented, it was a different era, team, and players when he made his official NFL debut in 2001. Daboll was a defensive assistant on the Patriots’ staff at the time. Brady unexpectedly led New England to 11 victories and the first of six Super Bowls while taking over for injured franchise quarterback Drew Bledsoe and securing the Patriots’ franchise quarterback position. After Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor were benched, DeVito, an undrafted rookie who grew up in Northern New Jersey and has an Italian background, became the team’s starting blue linebacker. Under his direction, struggling New York (5-8) has won three straight and is only one game out of the final NFC Wild Card spot, behind a five-team tie. Two weeks after leading the Patriots to a 10-7 victory at MetLife Stadium, DeVito orchestrated a stunning comeback victory on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers, who currently hold the seventh seed in the NFC. On Sunday, the Giants will travel to Caesars Superdome to play the New Orleans Saints (1 p.m. ET, Fox). DEC. 12 SAINTS SIGN EX-PATRIOTS RUNNING BACK James Robinson, a former New England Patriot, has joined the New Orleans Saints to bolster their running back unit. The Saints signed Robinson following workouts with three other running backs, including fellow former Patriot Ty Montgomery, according to a report from Aaron Wilson of KPRC. After signing with the Patriots in March and being released before the start of the mandatory minicamp in June, Robinson has now joined three different teams this season, including the Saints. Prior to joining the Saints, Robinson’s most recent employment was with the Green Bay Packers, where he spent time on both the 53-man roster and the practice squad before being cut in early December. DEC. 11 DRAKE MAYE DECLARES FOR NFL DRAFT – On Monday, following two seasons as the starting quarterback for the University of North Carolina, Darke Maye, the quarterback, formally declared his intention to enter the NFL Draft. The Patriots will have their highest selection in years when they select Maye in the spring draft, where he is anticipated to be among the best passing prospects. Maye stated, “This is the best decision for me and my future,” according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Maye will not play in the Tar Heels’ bowl game against West Virginia on December 27, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. “It was my lifelong dream to play quarterback at North Carolina, and I get a chance to check off another dream and play quarterback in the NFL.” With 8,018 passing yards and 63 touchdown passes at the conclusion of his Chapel Hill career, he is among the top five passers in North Carolina history. Right now, the Patriots (3-10) are presently ranked second on the current draft standings. DEC. 6 JETS RECOMMIT TO ZACH WILSON: Head coach Robert Saleh declared that Zach Wilson will be the team’s starting quarterback when it plays the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m. ET, CBS). The New York Jets are back to where they were before Aaron Rodgers left. Saleh stated that Wilson will start the remaining games of the season “God willing,” according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. The season concludes on January 7 with a Week 18 matchup at Gillette Stadium. This week, the Jets’ quarterback rotation following the trade of Aaron Rodgers turned into a rollercoaster: rumors circulated that Wilson was unwilling to take back the starting job, a claim that the second-round pick of the 2021 draft refuted on Wednesday. Tim Boyle, who started at quarterback for New York (4-8) in the previous two games, was cut earlier this week. Wilson came in behind Trevor Siemian and Boyle as the third quarterback in the Miami and Atlanta losses. Despite losing all five of his starts versus the Patriots, Wilson has a 53.4 passer rating. DEC. 5 49ERS SIGN FORMER PATRIOTS TWO-TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMP – The NFL is filled with reminders of the Patriots’ dynasty, even though their winning seasons are long gone. The NFC-leading 49ers are adding former New England two-time Super Bowl champion Logan Ryan to help shore up their injured secondary. Ryan helped the Pats win two titles after being selected in the third round of the 2013 draft. The 32-year-old, who participated in 16 postseason games, brings a wealth of big-game experience to San Francisco. Ryan played for the Titans, Giants, and Buccaneers after leaving Foxboro. Talanoa Hufanga and George Odum, two safeties for the Niners, were injured recently. DEC. 4 STEELERS SIGN EX PATRIOTS QB – You wouldn’t think that signing one of the Patriots’ cast-offs would be a wise move, given their historically awful offense. However, after losing Kenny Pickett to an injury, the Steelers are in desperate need of warm bodies, which is why they signed former New England quarterback Trace McSorley. Pickett will play against the Pats on Thursday after undergoing ankle surgery on Monday morning. Mitch Trubisky will take his place, supported by Mason Rudolph, and McSorley has been added to the practice squad. for the time being. During his two weeks with the Patriots in the preseason, McSorley was sacked once and completed one pass in the team’s game against the Titans. After three days, he was slashed. Before being cut loose late last month, he was a member of the Bears practice squad for a month. Over the course of three seasons with 53-man rosters, he has only started one game in the NFL. STEELERS’ STAR QB OUT FOR THURSDAY NIGHT VS. PATRIOTS, DEC. 4 – The NFL has already suspended the Patriots, who are 2-10, from Monday Night Football later in the season. But due to injuries and demotions, football fans can look forward to an offensive matchup between Mitch Trubisky and Bailey Zappe on Thursday night on Amazon Prime. Coach Mike Tomlin announced that Trevor Trubisky will start in place of starting quarterback Kenny Pickett against the New England Patriots after Pickett underwent surgery on his ankle on Monday morning. Zappe will get another start for the Patriots, even though the offense was shut out by the Chargers the previous weekend. Who scores three points first, wins? The game’s over/under betting total at Acrisure Stadium has been lowered to just 30 points in response to Trubisky starting against a Patriots offense that is tying records for futility set in 1938. The Bears-Lions game in 1993 set the NFL record-low of 28. By contrast, the NFC East matchup between the Eagles and Cowboys on Sunday night is 53. Nov. 27 PANTHERS FIRE COACH FRANK REICH – The Patriots appear content with their worst season in thirty years, despite the NFL teams struggling around them making bold moves to turn things around. Before Frank Reich could complete his first season in Carolina, the Panthers fired him on Monday morning. Head coach Josh McDaniels was fired by the Raiders earlier this month, offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was let go by the Bills, and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was let go by the Commanders. The Panthers, who selected quarterback Bryce Young first overall in the NFL Draft in April of last year, have the worst record in the league (1–10) and have only scored 173 points. They have now had six head coaches (including temporary ones) since David Tepper took over as owner of the team in 2018. In the meantime, the combined ineffectiveness of quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe has left the Patriots with a 2-9 record and a league-low 148 points scored. Owner Robert Kraft, however, is reportedly planning to stick with coach Bill Belichick despite rumors to the contrary. This will likely result in the team having its worst season since 1993. Additionally, no Patriots assistants have lost their jobs. November 14, Patriots legend Tom Brady “bets” his Super Bowl ring – Brady has seven Super Bowl rings, so he can afford to lose one or two. But when he bet one of his rings on this week’s college football game between Ohio State and his alma mater, Michigan, he was only kidding. Regarding his Let’s Go! podcast, Brady wagered on fantasy football against rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who coincidentally attends Ohio State. Brady laughed and said, “If Ohio State wins, you get one of my Super Bowl rings.” Brady said, “How about that?” Stroud responded, “That’s a bet.” Michigan has won the two meetings in the rivalry. “And if Michigan beats Ohio State, then you got to give me all your youth, your agility, your time in the 40-yard dash and all your future years in the NFL.” On November 25, the No. 3 Buckeyes will visit the second-ranked Wolverines. NOV. 14 BILLS FIRE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: The Patriots appear to remain constant despite the constant change in their surroundings. The AFC East rival Buffalo Bills of New England fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey on Tuesday morning following his lackluster performance on Monday night in the midst of an otherwise disappointing season. Many people predicted the Bills to win Super Bowl LVIII, and Josh Allen, the quarterback, was a strong contender for MVP. However, the Bills are 5-5 following the shocking home loss to the Broncos, in which they gave up four touchdowns, and Allen has more interceptions (11) than even the much-maligned Mac Jones (10) of the Pats. The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels after their record dropped to 3-5. And now, with the Bills at.500, they fire their offensive coordinator despite having an offense that ranks in the top 8 in the NFL in terms of yards (370) and points (26). The Patriots have done nothing to reverse their downward spiral, aside from cutting loose talented but troubled cornerback Jack Jones, despite having the worst record in the AFC at 2-8 and an offense that is ranked 31st in points and 26th in yards. 11 JIM IRSAY PRAISES TOM BRADY: Reminiscences of the legendary rivalry between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are coming back to life as the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots prepare to kickoff in Frankfurt on Sunday. When asked if he had to choose between Brady and Manning, Colts owner Jim Irsay said he would take Manning. Here is his entire response… “I came to find out that Tom was not from this planet,” Irsay continued. The Colts and Patriots are scheduled to kick off at 9:30 a.m. “And he still refuses to be tested for his outer space roots…. What Tom’s done with the Super Bowl victories, it’s hard to put anyone’s career at quarterback up against his.” in Frankfurt. Nov. 1 FORMER PATRIOTS ASSISTANT QB COACH BO HARDEGREE BECOMES LAS VEGAS RAIDERS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR – Josh McDaniels, the former offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders early on Thursday morning. However, there is good news for another former Pats coach who is getting promoted from the silver and black. The Raiders are appointing quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree as their new offensive coordinator, per an NFL Network report. Mick Lombardi, the former Raiders offensive coordinator who was fired along with McDaniels, will be replaced by Hardegree. Lombardi assisted the Patriots as well from 2020 to 21. In 2008, Hardegree started working as a graduate assistant at Duke. In 2011, he accepted a position as an intern at LSU. 2014 saw Hardegree join the Denver Broncos as an NFL coach. He collaborated closely with Adam Gase on the Broncos offensive coaching staff while he was in Denver. He has also served as an assistant coach for the New York Jets and Chicago Bears. He also served as the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins for two seasons, from 2016 to 2018. Prior to the 2021 campaign, the 39-year-old became an assistant quarterbacks coach for New England. Alongside McDaniels, he was crucial to the development of Mac Jones, the rookie quarterback for the Pats. With 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns, the Alabama product led all rookie quarterbacks in completion percentage (67.6) and passer rating (92.5). Reviving an offense that is currently ranked No. 31 in total offense and No. 30 in scoring offense this season will be a difficult task for Hardegree. Antonio Pierce, the interim head coach of the Raiders who was previously the linebackers coach, will oversee him in this endeavor.
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