Bedard Columns

Season Preview: Antonio Brown’s impending signing invites unknown variable into Patriots season

POSTED: 5:03 PM September 8, 2019

I had this season prediction column all laid out in my mind … and then the Patriots and Antonio Brown turned the NFL world on its head. And everything changed....

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NFL Notebook: Antonio Brown’s contract says all in Moss debate & more thoughts, plus predictions

POSTED: 3:09 AM September 8, 2019

Yes, Antonio Brown is better than Randy Moss when he was acquired by the Patriots — and Brown's reported contract tells you the Patriots think that too.

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Bedard: Ranking the Patriots’ roster from season killers, to players on scholarship

POSTED: 3:29 PM September 7, 2019

As we begin the long countdown until the Sunday night opener against the Steelers (tomorrow will take forever), let’s start our study of the team going right to the crux...

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Bedard: Marcus Cannon will need to be better vs. T.J. Watt for Patriots to beat the Steelers

POSTED: 11:25 AM September 6, 2019

Marcus Cannon, despite being overshadowed by some of his other excellent linemates, had a very good 2018 season. Even though Trent Brown got more headlines and a whopping payday on...

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Bedard: The Patriots should absolutely go after Antonio Brown if he’s available (but it’s unlikely to happen)

POSTED: 8:33 PM September 5, 2019

So it would make sense for them to pass on Antonio Brown if he's released by the Raiders after threatening the general manager and going AWOL. The Patriots don't need...

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Bedard: Tom Brady starts this season like any other – reinventing the passing offense

POSTED: 10:00 PM September 4, 2019

The offense is almost the exact opposite. When Tom Brady takes the field Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he'll be throwing to an assortment of receivers where all but...

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Bedard: Thomas signs, Harry to IR – How does the receiving corp look for Week 1?

POSTED: 2:27 PM September 2, 2019

The Patriots placed first-round pick N’Keal Harry on injured reserve today, which means he is eligible for one of two spots for players returning from injury. He has to sit...

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Bedard: Bill Belichick lets it ride with his ‘Over The Hill Gang’

POSTED: 1:37 AM September 1, 2019

People really need to stop bringing up Tom Brady‘s age as a factor when it comes to Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ quarterback situation. I mean, have you been paying attention?...

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Road to 53, v.19.6 – FINAL: Did inactives for finale give road map to initial 53-man roster?

POSTED: 6:09 AM August 30, 2019

The Patriots had 51 players not suit up for the preseason finale against the Giants. And while there were 10 players who played that figure to be on the final roster — Jarrett Stidham, Julian Edelman, Josh...

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Bedard: After another OL trade (Jermaine Eluemunor), where does that leave line and roster?

POSTED: 8:22 PM August 28, 2019

The Patriots have been busy bees when it comes to the trade front and addressing the thin depth they have on the offensive line that was further tested when David...

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Bedard: Breaking down the pros and cons for Patriots bubble players heading into final cuts

POSTED: 3:22 PM August 28, 2019

Cutdown day is coming quickly after the final preseason game on Thursday night against the Giants. While we’re working on a comprehensive list of who might be available on other...

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Bedard: Deatrich Wise is a unicorn in a lot of ways for these Patriots, but will that be enough?

POSTED: 11:21 PM August 27, 2019

FOXBOROUGH — Everybody knows Deatrich Wise is one of hardest-working Patriots players — if he’s not alone at the top of the list. Request him for an interview at your...

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Bedard: Losing David Andrews hurts, but it’s something the Patriots can and will overcome

POSTED: 10:09 PM August 26, 2019

Dante Scarnecchia was asked Monday whether everything was OK with David Andrews after the tough-as-nails center had missed two practices this week. “We’ll find out,” he said. Scarnecchia might as well have blown...

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Bedard’s Breakdown (Defense): Mike Pennel comes to play; is it too late? (Update: Apparently)

POSTED: 3:48 PM August 25, 2019

UPDATE: Mike Pennel has been informed of his release, according to Mike Reiss. Pretty much said my piece on the defense, especially the starters, after Thursday night’s game. And with...

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Bedard’s Breakdown (Offense): Jarrett Stidham provided evidence for and against him being Patriots’ lone backup QB

POSTED: 5:57 PM August 23, 2019

If Bill Belichick went with rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham — and not Brian Hoyer — behind Tom Brady against the Panthers in order to gain more evidence as to whether...

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Bedard: The defense is now the heart and soul of these Patriots

POSTED: 3:40 AM August 23, 2019

This might be sacrilege to say in these parts, especially after a meaningless third preseason game, but it might be time for Tom Brady to embrace the idea of being...

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Defensive 1-on-1 totals and awards: More evidence Michael Bennett should be rush upgrade over Trey Flowers

POSTED: 3:55 PM August 22, 2019

All the reps with a dummy quarterback and legendary line coach Dante Scarnecchia standing behind the defense holding up the snap count are over — at least from public view, as the...

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Offensive 1-on-1 totals: Another outstanding camp from Joe Thuney puts focus on contract

POSTED: 2:48 PM August 21, 2019

All the reps with a dummy quarterback and legendary line coach Dante Scarnecchia standing behind the defense holding up the snap count are over — at least from public view, as the...

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Road to 53, v.19.04 – Demaryius Thomas coming off PUP makes things even tougher