10 thoughts on 'Do Your Job 2' and 'America's Game: 2016 Patriots'

We had a chance to get our hands on an advanced screening of both “Do Your Job Part 2” and “America’s Game: 2016 Patriots.” They'll air Sept. 6 on NFL Network, along with "NFL’s Top 10: Tom Brady Games." (“Do Your Job” will first premiere on NBC Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.) Here are the previews for both, and a few thoughts on each one:







1. “Do Your Job Part 2” is narrated by Edward Norton, and is the more technical of the two. With in-depth interviews with the coaching staff and front office, you get a real behind-the-scenes look at several points throughout the postseason, including how big moments came about in the divisional playoffs, conference championship and Super Bowl. Just about the entire staff is featured here, with the notable exception of Brian Daboll, the tight ends coach who departed in the offseason to become the offensive coordinator at Alabama.

2. In addition to the fact that it showcases the coaching staff, two guys who are probably best described as key parts of the front office are highlighted in Nick Caserio and Ernie Adams. Caserio is shown not only in meeting rooms and huddling with the coaching staff, but he also gets face time while helping run practice and in the coaches booth. Adams, who created something of an Internet meme with “Pink Stripes” in the first “DYJ” documentary, is back with more hints that will have people guessing this time around. (And there’s a funny story about his toughness during Super Bowl week in there as well.)

3. There are several points (in both documentaries) that really highlight the importance of a guy like Julian Edelman, including the flea-flicker that resulted in a touchdown pass to Chris Hogan in the AFC title game against the Steelers, a play that might not have happened if Edelman didn’t, well, do his job. Edelman’s production, competitive spirit and his connection with Brady (more on that in a second) will be difficult to replace. But his ability to do the little things that don’t necessarily show up on the scoresheet might even be tougher to replicate in 2017.

4. Through all of the game-planning, scheming and personnel decisions, there’s a touching moment near the end of "DYJ2" involving a speech made by Ivan Fears at the coaches’ dinner in May where he talks about family. The ring ceremony film is nice, and much of it has already been seen, but it seems fitting that a documentary that’s focused on the hard work and dedication of the coaching staff includes snippets from this exclusive gathering. (One highlight is from that dinner: as Super Bowl LI is playing in the background, a cameraman catches Bill Belichick watching the game and shaking his head at the replay of Julio Jones’ remarkable sideline catch late in the game.)

5. The stories on the installation and execution of parts of the game plan for the Super Bowl are also really insightful, including Matt Patricia’s play-calling, the decision to come up with multiple two-point conversion plays (because you never know, right?) and a closer look at how one of the key plays in the game was botched in practice but executed perfectly in the game.

6. If “DYJ2” is more about the behind-the-scenes, X’s and O’s look at the inner workings of the playoffs, “America’s Game” is focused on the season as a whole, starting with Tom Brady’s suspension, the drama that built throughout the year, the playoffs and Super Bowl. Narrated by Sudbury native Chris Evans, it’s the more breezy watch. If we are classifying the two in movie terms, “DYJ” is art-house documentary for the fans more interested in the nuts and bolts of the season, and “America’s Game” is the summer popcorn blockbuster the whole family will love.

7. “America’s Game” features interviews with Edelman, LeGarrette Blount and Dont’a Hightower. The guy who comes off as the star of the show is Edelman. They reference his children’s book several times, using it as one of the themes of the piece. My favorite? When he describes the relationship between him and Brady like a pair of dolphins, because of the sonar they share. It’s an unlikely line, but he does a good job selling it.

8. That’s not to say Blount and Hightower don’t have their moments. In particular, Blount comes off as a guy who has matured and grown over the course of his career. There’s a nice moment where he’s congratulated by team chaplain Jack Easterby on the sidelines, and later acknowledges his occasionally rocky career arc. “I’ve matured a lot. I've learned to handle certain situations a lot better,” Blount said. “I just got myself around all the right people.” Hightower chimes in: “He’s like the cool dude in school,” said Hightower of Blount. “Everybody wants to be around LG.”

9. The Jamie Collins trade is addressed, and Blount was, well, blunt when it came to the topic, saying that no one in the locker room agreed with the decision. “You never know what Bill is thinking,” added the running back. “But I know that every decision and every move he makes, he makes it in the best interest of the team.” There’s also the note that Blount took 30 steps in his one-yard touchdown run against the Seahawks.

10. Someone get some personalized gear on Hightower. Both Blount and Edelman are featured in their own clothing line, Edelman in a JE11 cap, and Blount in a “Blount Force Trauma” t-shirt. Hightower settles for a backward baseball cap.