It’s a busy weekend in Foxboro as Rob Gronkowski and the 2016 Patriots are back in town, while the current New England Patriots squad has a big game themselves against the Green Bay Packers days before the trade deadline.
Before all the action begins, let’s get into this week’s edition of the #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Trade talk! Would they really trade Barmore? I could see it if they were 3-5, but seems like it would leave them very weak at a position that isn’t terribly strong to begin with in a year
when everything is still on the table in front of you. Maybe that’s a move you make in the offseason, no? – RRDMuz
My belief entering this year was that this is Christian Barmore’s last season in New England. Barmore has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract and the value of the deal has not matched his play since his return from blood clots. Pair that with long-term concerns over a lingering knee injury and it would make sense to move on.
As for the rest of this season, however, I’d still expect him and Carlton Davis to be on the roster at this time next week.
Where’s the line between buy and sell? How do you think they see this beat-up team’s chances for a deep playoff run? Moving Barmore weakens them badly for this year, so maybe if that’s happening it’s not worth adding pieces? If it doesn’t, maybe some depth? Or do they just stay the course and any playoff appearance or win becomes gravy? – ed.liebfried
With Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel, the Patriots will always have a chance to compete and make a run in the playoffs. When it comes to selling, I do think there’s a logical argument for getting younger and adding draft capital, but the time and place for that is next offseason.
At this deadline, I think the Patriots will focus on finding minor upgrades to bolster the roster. The best-case scenario would be finding the next version of Kyle Van Noy, who they acquired in exchange for a late-round pick swap.
And while I hate when teams like the Red Sox use injured players returning as a reason not to be active at the deadline, I think it’s a different story in football. The Patriots getting players back like Mack Hollins, Romeo Doubs and Alijah Vera-Tucker in upcoming weeks are a significant boost to the roster.
What’s up with Henderson and the trade talk? Not a culture fit? Or system fit?? It seems odd he’s not even practicing – Groganator
Henderson has now missed over a week with a legitimate illness, which is why he has been absent. The trade speculation stems from some of his struggles this season, but I wouldn’t be ready to give up on the 24-year-old second-round pick, who posted over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
The hope should be that Henderson can get healthy from both his illness and ankle injury and that the coaching staff can find a way to get him going on the field.
If this team is fully healthy where would you look to improve – XGhost-PepperX
As we discussed, we are expecting more minor additions to the roster. With wide receivers and linemen coming back from injury, a blocking tight end would be the main spot we’d look on offense. Part of the run game issues have been with the tight ends blocking the edges as that is not Hunter Henry’s game and Eli Raridon has had up-and-down moments like most rookies.
On defense, the defensive line has played better in recent weeks but a true nose tackle and edge rusher — as they still only three on the roster — would be players to add. Another linebacker to allow the defense to play more true base defense against heavier personnel groupings could also be a target.
Williams, Douglas, and Chism were productive against Miami. Was that because it was Miami? Or, in the playoffs, might we have 6-8 skill position players who are dangerous? – WannaBe Pats GM
We’ve been in the camp that all three are quality wide receivers in this league. They might not be bonafide No. 1 options, but they all have unique skillsets that make that strong complimentary pieces who can also take on larger roles when players above them are injured.
We’ll also continue to push for more Kyle Williams snaps, specifically in the slot like he was used in college. He’s a dangerous player with his speed and the Patriots should look to exploit that more.
Will the New England Patriots activate both WR Mack Hollins and FB Reggie Gilliam this week? – For Pats Sake
Hollins looks ready to go. Gilliam isn’t ready yet but has increased his presence in the locker room in the past week.
With so many QB injuries around the league, do you think one of our QBs have some value to bring good draft value (not a sixth round) or some one we can exchange with? – sumeetw
Tommy DeVito has started games in the league so could have some attraction. But, I’d say the injuries around the league show how valuable it is to have depth at that position. Any quality backup quarterback is more valuable for a competing team compared to a late-round draft pick.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post on the Feed. Make sure to follow @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
