Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Locked On Patriots - September 9, 2019: Pats-Steelers Recap, AB in NE

Episode Date: September 9, 2019

The New England Patriots looked impressive in their 33-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. On Monday, they look to add another prolific piece to their offensive puzzle in controversial wide receiver Antonio Brown. Host Mike D’Abate takes recaps the action from Foxboro and gives his thoughts on AB in New England. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello to all you Foxborough faithful, and welcome to your post-game day Monday edition of Locked On Patriots, your daily home for news, notes, analysis, and the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champion, the New England Patriots. Locked On Patriots, as always, is a part of the Locked On Podcast Network. I am your host, Mike DeBate, and I cover the Patriots for FullPressCoverage.com, which is where you can always find my written work. You can also reach out to me on Twitter at M-D-A-B-A-T-E-F-P-C

and be sure to follow LockedOnPatriots on Twitter as well at L-O underscore Patriots. I hope everyone had a great weekend, and all you Pats fans out there, I'm sure you enjoyed the weekend. And aside from the action at Gillette, which we'll get into in a minute,

the Pats potent offense is about to add one of the most prolific talents in the league. And I will address my thoughts on wide receiver Antonio Brown and what this means for the Patriots, both the good and the bad. But first, we start with last night at Gillette. And what can I say but solid as steel, folks. That was the title of my game recap last night for full press coverage, and it definitely applies here, as the New England Patriots began their 2019 season in dominant fashion. On a night in which New England unveiled its sixth NFL championship banner, which still blows my mind growing up watching this team.

And I'll be honest, in my childhood and my early teens, I had my doubts as to whether or not I would see them win even one. And here they are unveiling banner number six. Truly an amazing feat and so much credit to the organization for the team that they've put together. But that being said, the Patriots proved why they are the defending Super Bowl champions and that they are every bit as formidable as advertised. Patriots were solid in all three phases of the game.

Special teams, offense, defense, you name it, the Patriots played it well. And it was a 33-3 dismantling of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium last night. And prior to the game, there was a lot of pomp and circumstance in the air, and everybody was excited, no question about it. Again, the team unveiled their sixth championship banner, and it was a ceremony that included fireworks, a highlight video projected onto a screen covering much of the field, Godsmack played. It was just a great time for everyone in attendance. And Patriots legends Drew Bledsoe, Ty Law, Willie McGinnis, Rob Ninkovich, and Martellus Bennett coming out,

holding the five Lombardi trophies that the team had already won, definitely had the crowd feeling nostalgic. Everyone was feeling good, and it just was a great time for everyone in the stands. And then owner Robert Kraft came out carrying the sixth, and this really elicited a loud cheer from the fans, and well-deserved. You know, everybody recognizes the contributions that Robert Kraft has made to this organization in helping put together a winning team and a sustained winning team

that's really been the standard bearer of excellence in the NFL since 2000. And while fan bases will point to controversy, and they're entitled to their opinion, but it's hard to argue with the Patriots' resume during that span between division titles, conference championships, and Super Bowl championships. You have to recognize what the Pats have been able to do,

and that starts in the owner's box, and it really does start with the dedication that the Kraft family has shown, not just in keeping a competitive team on the field, but investing year after year and making sure that the team absolutely will contend for a Super Bowl title each and every year. Now, winning it every year is not a foregone conclusion, and we saw several teams on the week one slate that look very impressive and look like they will be able to mount a significant challenge to the New England Patriots this year. And it's going to be a great season in the NFL. Patriots put up a great performance last night, and no one's questioning that.

But there are other teams out there that did look impressive as well. So it'll be interesting to see what the future holds for the 2019 NFL season. But most importantly, for your New England Patriots, for me, for you, that's what we're looking at, and that's what we'll continue to look at today. But to put the finishing touches on the banner ceremony, it continued with fan favorite and tight end Rob Gronkowski coming out to a very loud ovation, and again, well-deserved for all of the contributions that Rob has made to this team over the years. Gronkowski came out, promptly spiked the football, that trademark Gronk spike,

and that signaled the reveal of the team's newest addition to the Gillette Stadium facade. House of Pains jump around, blared as the reveal happened. And I want to thank the Patriots for that. That took me back to my childhood, my early teen years. So I want to thank them for that. I know they didn't do it just for me, obviously, but it felt like it, and it really did spark some nostalgia. So overall, a great night for Patriots fans. Getting to see the reveal of a

championship banner is truly something that not every sports fan gets to do, and not only the Patriots. You think about the New England region between the Red Sox, the Celtics, the Bruins. Fans up here in New England have been very fortunate to be able to see a great number of these, and it truly never gets old, and I know that's the old cliche but it really and truly doesn't so kudos to the Patriots organization on a great ceremony didn't overdo it nothing over the top but it did allow the fans to really enjoy this moment and something that I know anyone that was in attendance last night at Gillette will definitely hold with them for a good long while. A great moment for a true sports fan. But there was a game to be played on the field, and boy did the Pats look impressive.

There's really no other way. It's not sugarcoating it. It's not pumping the tires of this team. It is truly what it was. To quote a very familiar phrase up here in New England, it is what it is. The Patriots looked dominant in all phases of the game last night, and we'll get into the action of the game in just a moment. But first, I just wanted to take a moment to remind all of you about the exciting offers from Vivid Seats. Nothing beats the excitement of a live event. Am I right? I'm right. Whether it's a concert or a sporting event, the adrenaline rush of seeing your favorites in the world of sports and entertainment are second to none.

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Thank you to Vivid Seats for sponsoring today's podcast. After attending a feel-good event like a banner drop ceremony, the Patriots fans were definitely in high spirits and the team on the field definitely didn't disappoint. They kept them there. Again, the team looked solid in all three phases of the game, and to me, it really begins with the man taking snaps under center, and despite so many envious prognostications that his age would finally catch up with him, Tom Brady turned in another stellar performance, and I think a standout performance last night at Gillette Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's an ageless signal caller, I called him in my recap, and it really is very appropriate.

Passed for 341 yards, three touchdowns. Two of Brady's touchdown strikes were thrown to Philip Dorsett, including a 58-yard score that was really, I think, the visual highlight of the night. But my favorite play of this game was Brady's first touchdown pass to Dorsett. On that pass, Tom kept looking to his left, his feet, his body language. Everything was luring the defense in. And then delivers an absolute strike to Dorsett for the touchdown. That is such an indelible part of what Tom Brady brings to the team.

And for everyone that wants to criticize the guy, watch that play over and over again. You'll learn why he is heralded as the greatest of all time, simply for reasons like that. Being able to read the defense, make adjustments at the line, and then go out and execute exactly what you wanted to do. The true greats in all of professional sports have a knack of being able to complete their task, even when the opponent knows exactly what's coming. That's exactly what Tom Brady did last night. Go back and watch the film on that, and I think you won't be disappointed.

Definitely a clinic in terms of how to play quarterback in this league. But Philip Dorsett wasn't the only one that got in on the party last night. Josh Gordon actually caught Brady's first touchdown pass of the year, as well as the first touchdown pass of the game. Julian Edelman looked solid last night as well, caught six passes for 83 yards, and also completed a throw to running back James White. And in true Patriots passion, they always seem to pull one of these razzle-dazzle plays out, not only for the benefit of the fans, but also to keep the defense on their heels. And it worked. Credit Josh McDaniels on this one.

Julian Edelman gets in the backfield, takes a screen pass from Tom Brady, and then throws one himself to James White, who takes it. And that really, I think, helped the Patriots to establish what they were going to do on offense for the entire game. But aside from having a little bit of fun at the expense of their opponent, the Patriots looked like they were completing this task with a little bit of unfinished business. Pittsburgh was the last team to beat the Patriots, don't forget. It was a 17-10 loss for the Pats on December 16th of 2018 last year at Heinz Field. Patriots were riddled with penalties in that game. There were several offensive breakdowns, and the Patriots,

aside from an early Chris Hogan touchdown, were not really able to find their rhythm. However, in this one, the Patriots left little to no doubt on who would be victorious in this contest, and they did so from the very beginning. The Pats opened a 20-0 lead before Pittsburgh even got on the board. They kicked a field goal on 4th and from the one-yard line with 10-17 left in the third quarter. On the very next drive, Brady responded with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Dorsett. That was the one I had originally alluded to as being the highlight of the game, and it really was an amazing pass and great yards after the catch for Dorsett, who finished the game with four catches, 95 yards, and it was actually the first multi-score game of his career. So congratulations to Philip Dorsett.

Just a couple of weeks ago, he was considered on the roster bubble, and now here he is making big contributions for the Patriots offense. I think that's going to continue this year. He seems to be developing a great rapport with Tom Brady, and when you can boast a guy like Philip Dorsett being maybe your third or fourth option on a wide receiver core you know you're doing something right and again I will get into Antonio Brown in a little bit folks but first you can't really talk about how dominant the Patriots were last night unless

you talk about the defense as well as the offense and I think they were equally if not more impressive on the defensive side of the ball now Ben Roethlisberger did complete 27 of 47 passes for 277 yards, which is a pretty impressive stat line. However, the Steelers quarterback looked to be out of his element on Sunday, and that was really a testament to the Patriots' front line and also the secondary. They were led by solid efforts from cornerback Stephon Gilmore, Jonathan Jones, Devin McCourty had a great game as well, and New England's linebacking core, and I want to give some credit to Jamie Collins on this as well, really looks like it's going to help be an anchor

of this team all season long. They were quick, they dropped back into coverage, and provided help up front when they needed to as well. The linebacking core last night was missing Kyle Van Noy, and on behalf of Locked On Patriots, I just want to congratulate Kyle and his wife Marissa on the birth of their new baby. That's why Kyle wasn't in the lineup last night, folks. He was a healthy scratch being there for the birth of his new child, and we could not be happier for them and wish them the best and all the health and happiness for the newest

addition to their family. But because of the Patriots' defensive efforts, the Steelers' offense was largely silent on Sunday night. Much of their production came on non-scoring drives, and quite frankly, a lot of that was in garbage time. New England's defense really stifled the Steelers, and credit to Danny Shelton as well, who is now the man in the middle, did a great job of being able to plug the running game that the Steelers really, really wanted to try to establish. New England's defense held the Pittsburgh to only five full

possessions in the first half. They had to punt on four of them, and they went three and out three times in that span. Again, the running game, James Connor ran for only 21 yards on 10 carries. The Pats defensive line held the Steelers to only 32 yards rushing in total. So a great showing by the defensive line, great showing by the secondary, great showing by the linebacker core. Can't say enough about this defense. This is going to be an explosive unit to see. And wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, who is the number one option, unquestioned number one option for the Pittsburgh Steelers, had a decent game. He caught six passes for 78 yards, so not a terrible stat line. But 26 of those came on one throw in the final six minutes,

and the Steelers were already trailing 33-3. So when you think about the Patriots' defense and how they were able to take away the primary weapons that the Steelers had, it really harkens back to a Bill Belichick coach defense. And a lot of credit to Gerard Mayo, Stephen Belichick, and the defensive unit that is calling plays for this team. They really are dialed in and doing an excellent job. And ultimately, in a pretty fitting end for what happened last night at Gillette Stadium,

in a drive that really would have padded their point total, it actually ended for the Pittsburgh Steelers when Roethlisberger's pass into the end zone from the 41-yard line was intercepted by Devin McCourty and that all but sealed the Patriots 33-3 victory over the Steelers in game one so the Patriots moved to 1-0 on the division on the year and in the conference and the Pittsburgh Steelers fall to 0-1 to begin the season. But unfortunately, it was not all 100% good news for the Patriots on Sunday night, and we did see them unfortunately get hit by the injury bug. Patriots offensive lineman Marcus Cannon left the game in the second half with a shoulder injury. Now, the minute it happened, Cannon had been on the ground,

seemingly in significant pain. He was attended to a little bit and then immediately went to the blue medical tent on the sidelines. He did not return to the game. Now, NFL Network's Mike Giardi reported that Cannon was seen wearing a sling after the game. That's never a good sign, but continue to keep a sharp eye out for word on Cannon. We certainly hope the very best for him and that he won't have to miss too much time, but it looks like he will definitely at least be missing some time. So new additions Corey Cunningham and Jermaine Illuminor are going to have to pick up the slack on what's already a little bit of a thin offensive line, especially at that tackle position. Now Cunningham projected as the team's swing tackle

when they picked him up. He was an inactive on Sunday night, but he may have to grow into that role sooner rather than later. The importance of the offensive line, especially to the Patriots, is always, always such a significant part of what teams do. And Dante Skarniecki is as amazing as anyone that's ever coached offensive lines. However, he does need players to work with. And if there is any concern for the Patriots, this would definitely qualify. a long-term injury to Cannon would definitely be a major concern for this team so keep a sharp eye out see what happens with Cannon's health and if he is going to be out for

any significant period of time it's definitely next man up but also something to keep an eye on in terms of a move that the Patriots might make to help negate some of the problems they would have for that injury. But again, as we said at the top of the show, the Patriots are heading into a new week and they are about to add a very prolific piece to this already formidable offense. And I will get into that in just a moment. However, before I proceed with that, I wanted to take a minute to address all you guys out there. And ladies, you'll appreciate this too.

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The Cleveland Browns were mentioned as a possibility. But the New England Patriots were mentioned pretty heavily. And it really didn't take too long. From the time that word broke early Saturday morning it led way to Saturday afternoon and eventually it was discovered that Antonio Brown had agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots to come and be a part of their wide receiving core now this was met with a lot of mixed reactions and understandably so Antonio Brown is one of the most dynamic talents in the NFL today without question he's also one of the most dynamic talents in the NFL today, without question. He's also one of the most controversial in the NFL today, without question. And without a doubt, the question on

all of the minds of all Patriots fans everywhere is, will bringing Antonio Brown into the Patriots locker room cause a disruption in the morale and the character of this team? And will it be a disruptive force moving forward. Now there's no denying that there's a great deal of acrimony in the way that Antonio Brown left both the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and the Oakland Raiders organization. It certainly wasn't the ideal situation in both and Antonio Brown has to take a great deal of responsibility for that especially in Oakland. However if there's any organization that is well-equipped to be able to handle someone of Antonio Brown's stature, it is your New England Patriots. We have seen them do this before, and history has definitely shown that head coach Bill Belichick

has a very low tolerance for behavior that disrupts not only his locker room, but his team as a whole. So ultimately, for Belichick and the Patriots, the risk was worth the reward. And while we're on the topic of reward, why don't we get into exactly what that reward for Antonio Brown is going to be. According to reports, the Patriots are expected to announce later today that they have agreed to terms with Antonio Brown on a one-year, $15 million deal, which will eventually pay him $9 million in a signing bonus up front. Now, Brown is a four-time All-Pro.

He is definitely worth the money that the Patriots are investing, purely from a football standpoint. However, with all of the excess baggage that comes with Antonio Brown, people are wondering whether or not the contract will end up living up to the Patriots' expectations. And ESPN's Adam Schefter broke a little bit of news earlier this morning on Monday, advising that the Patriots had added an option year for Brown in 2020 at $20 million, which becomes guaranteed if executed. So the Patriots are definitely looking at Brown as someone that could potentially be a very big contributor to their offense.

Definitely a move like this is done to help for cap proration purposes this season, so that way it'll free them up a little bit and maybe even provide them with some protection in the event that Brown has to be cut loose. But the Patriots look to be pretty high on Brown's contributions, and hopefully they'll be able to get the best return on investment. Now, if you're a star wide receiver in the National Football League, the most important buy-in that you want is from your quarterback. And apparently Brown has that.

According to reports, Al Michaels broke the story last night a little bit on NBC Telecast, and later in the night, Brady himself essentially confirmed that he is not only 100%, not only 1,000%, but 1 million percent in on bringing Brown to New England. Apparently, a conversation with Robert Kraft that he had started off with Brady saying, well, I'm a million, I'm 100% in, and then I'm 1,000, and then eventually it got to a million, even offering at one point for Brown to stay with Brady while he was getting settled in Foxborough. And look, Brady understands the dynamic talent that Antonio Brown brings to the table here in New England. It's a

talent at wide receiver that he is quite honestly not used to having. He does have very similar skill sets within Josh Gordon. However, Gordon has had his off-field problems, and there has to be a realistic expectation about whether or not he will be able to play a full season. Adding a talent like Brown ensures that he will have that deep threat and a phenomenal route runner, which Brown really doesn't get enough credit for being. He is a tremendous route runner, and adding him into this offense along with Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, who are also great route runners, really makes this offense very, very scary.

But ultimately, folks, and in the final analysis, it has to be Brown that is one million percent in. He has to buy into the way of life here in Foxborough. He has to, quote unquote, do his job. And if he doesn't, he will find himself out of a job very quickly here in Foxborough. Bill Belichick does not, again, tolerate any type of insubordination or disruptive behavior. And if Brown looks to be trending in the direction that will bring either of those to his locker room, then Belichick will not hesitate to cut him loose.

Even with all of the guaranteed money and financial investment they're putting into Brown, it simply won't be worth the reward at that point. So far, Brown seems to be very happy in Foxborough. A winning culture will definitely do that for you. However, he's going to have to maintain that. And with a lot of options on Tom Brady's roster of weapons here, it will be interesting to see if Brown does become a little bit of a malcontent if he's not the primary option each and every game. That very point could end up being the make or the break for Antonio Brown as a member of the 2019 New England Patriots. I want to thank everybody for listening today. It was definitely

great to be able to break down a regular season game and give you my thoughts on the Antonio Brown situation as well. Definitely looking forward to this week ahead. We have some great guests coming on to help us break down what will be a great Patriots game this weekend in Miami. Always a challenge when the Patriots go down and play Miami. Don't let their beating yesterday fool you, folks. This is a tough place for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to play and could end up being a tougher game than most people think. I hope you'll join me again tomorrow as we break down the latest from Patriots Nation.

And also don't forget Wednesday, our crossover show with our friends over at Locked on Dolphins. Always a fun time when we do these crossovers. And I hope you sincerely enjoy that as we move forward this week as into week two of the NFL. As always, make sure to join me each and every day on the Locked On Patriots podcast and subscribe to Locked On Patriots via your favorite podcast provider. Once again, I'm Mike DeBate. I thank you so much for listening today.

Have a great day, everybody.