Pats Pulpit Podcast: For New England Patriots Fans

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation.

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation.

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation.

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation.

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation.

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. The New England Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens in commanding fashion, despite the 30-23 final score. The Patriots are control of both the AFC East and a first round bye. The offense and the defense really stepped up their performance when it mattered most. Alec and Rich open by discussing what impressed them the most about the Patriots on Monday night, including RB LeGarrette Blount’s big day and the sheer number of targets that QB Tom Brady has in the offense. The Patriots defense really stepped up across the board against a quality Ravens offense (13:40). Were the Patriots trying to force turnovers instead of wrap-up tackling (19:30)? Would the Patriots have kept Cre’Von LeBlanc or Darryl Roberts over Cyrus Jones in a vacuum (22:50)? Who are the Patriots other options as kick returners (26:00)? What are the Patriots playoff clinching scenarios (31:40)? How can the Patriots take down the Broncos in week 15 (35:50)?

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. Sure, the Los Angeles Rams aren’t good, but the New England Patriots defense made them look like a college team for most of Sunday’s game. The Rams only generated 25 yards in the first half, which would have been an impressive performance by the Patriots defense against a high school team. Alec and Rich start by giving the Patriots defense some credit for not just doing their job against the Rams, but for dominating them. It’s reached a point where we have to wonder if Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has something out for Rams head coach Jeff Fisher (6:30). Other topics include concerns with Cyrus Jones (12:00), contributions from new acquisitions standing out (18:00), and why was the offense so inefficient and should we be concerned with TE Martellus Bennett (21:00)? Congratulations to Tom Brady on his 201st victory (27:30), and focus turns to the Ravens and the challenges they present in week 14 (33:30). Alec and Rich cover it all.

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. The New England Patriots just went on the road to defeat a division rival to take back the #1 seed in the AFC. 30 other teams would give their left tackle to be in this position. So why does it feel like the Patriots aren’t as good as their record suggests? Alec and Rich start by breaking down the AFC games, with special focus on the Chiefs overtime victory over the Broncos. Would you have gone for a 60+ yard field goal to win the game? Is the Broncos defense turning a corner? Which AFC West team would you rather the Patriots face while on the road? Are the Dolphins for real or will the week 17 showdown with the Patriots actually matter (8:00)? Are Patriots fans overlooking the challenges of possible divisional round playoff games (12:00)? Alec and Rich break down the Patriots-Jets game and whether or not the Patriots should be proud or worried about their win (13:40). The offensive line deserves a lot of credit for their performance (23:00), but so does the deep roster of skill players (25:00). And has Malcolm Mitchell finally emerged as a key receiver (26:30)? And how the should the Patriots the injury to TE Rob Gronkowski as they face the Rams (30:00)? Do the Patriots have anything to worry about with the Rams (34:00)?

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. Alec and Rich cover the AFC and how the Raiders now control the conference, despite a former Patriots executive claiming the AFC North is the real threat. But what would be the real nightmare playoff scenario for the Patriots (10:00)? Discussion shifts to the Patriots seemingly lackluster performance against the 49ers, and a potential "Second Preseason" theory (13:45). Will the suspension of DT Alan Branch and benching of ED Jabaal Sheard have a long term impact on the Patriots defense (23:00)? Why did the offense struggle for the first three quarters, and especially right before the half (25:30)? Are the taller goal posts a reason for terrible kicking around the league (34:00)? Alec and Rich close by breaking down the New York Jets (38:10).

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. The New England Patriots lost to the Seattle Seahawks and there was a lot to analyze. Every contender in the AFC won and gained ground on the Patriots (2:00)- but there are a clear four teams in the NFL that are more enjoyable to watch than the rest (4:30). Which team is better: the Cowboys or the Seahawks (8:30)? How did the Seahawks pick apart the Patriots defense and what are the solutions (10:00)? Why are the Patriots fumbling the ball so much on offense (19:50)? Why did the Patriots abandon the quick passing attack against the Seahawks, and how good was the offensive line (24:00)? What the heck was wrong with the play-calls on that final goal line series (31:00)? Finally, a quick preview of the Patriots week 11 opponent the San Francisco 49ers (37:00). Alec and Rich cover it all.

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. Alec and Rich start by talking about the sorry state of the NFL. Were there any good games on Sunday? The Browns used Jamie Collins differently than the Patriots did (3:00). Who scares you more: the Raiders or the Chiefs (8:00)? How do you predict the Patriots will fare over the final half of the season (21:00)? There are no good quarterbacks on the schedule after Russell Wilson (30:00). Alec and Rich close by breaking down the upcoming Seahawks game (36:40).

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. Alec and Rich start by analyzing the Jamie Collins blockbuster trade. Why would Bill Belichick trade him? Why was the return so small? Who will step up on defense? Who sparks the defense now? Focus turns to the Bills at 24:50, including how the Patriots fared on defense. Have the Patriots played a good team this year (34:00)? We also award Patriots midseason awards (40:20)! Tune in.

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. Alec and Rich start with analysis of the AFC and which team concerns the Patriots (1:10) and who is the toughest opponent on the Patriots schedule (6:20)? The Patriots defense played well enough and expectations are crazy high (7:30), but what was the defensive strategy (12:00)? The Patriots offense looked like it was only using a page or two of their play book to not reveal too much (14:00), but the coaching staff made sure to put a lot on tape for future teams to panic about (19:30). Can the Patriots win games when they have to rely on their wide receivers (21:00)? Should we be concerned about K Stephen Gostkowski (24:30)? What are the Patriots biggest weaknesses (28:00)? Can the Bills win in week 8 (33:00)?

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. Alec and Rich break down the sorry state of the AFC (2:30) and why celebration rules are a bad idea (5:10). We turn focus towards the Patriots vs Bengals game (8:45) including a look at LeGarrette Blount (12:00)and whether we should be concerned about the Patriots receivers (16:30). Then we cover whether or not there should be any concerns about the defense (21:30) and the questionable pass rush (26:00). We look at the problems of Stephen Gostkowski (29:30) and finally close by looking at the Steelers (34:00).

A New England Patriots podcast from SB Nation. Alec and Rich break down week 5 of the NFL season, which almost all went in the Patriots favor (0:30), Tom Brady and the offense looked outstanding in his first game back from suspension (10:00), Rob Ninkovich returned from suspension, too, and the defense had a great game (29:30). The Patriots get to face a questionable Bengals squad in week 6 (41:45).