Aaron Hernandez

It appeared the ball was deflected, but the ball did pass through his hands. Lastly was TE Aaron Hernandez on a probable 10-yard gain on the final drive, but he heard the footsteps of the approaching linebacker.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Super Bowl XLVI"

’d also point to the gulf in talent between Tom Brady and Eli Manning, between Gronkowski (or Aaron Hernandez) and Jake Ballard, between Wes Welker and Hakeem Nicks (though, admittedly, the Giants receivers are no slouches). Yes, the Giants have the superior defense on paper and you would probably be wise to take Ahmad Bradshaw over Benjarvus Green-Ellis in a fantasy draft, but I think the most meaningful position (quarterback) combined with my theory about the motivational edge should tip the scales in the Pats' favor. I’ll take Tom Terrific and his thirst for revenge over Eli “I-Owe-My-Left-Testicle-To David-Tyree’s-Helmet” Manning any day.

Continue reading "Previewing (Or Reviewing?) the Super Bowl"

it takes to play 60 minutes.

Unfamiliar Faces: WR Wes Welker (injury) and TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez (both still in college) did not play the last time these teams met in the playoffs. Make Baltimore rue the day they heard their names.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: AFC Championship"

Players should be allowed to celebrate, but within reason. Two bothered me. TE Aaron Hernandez high-stepped into the endzone on his 39-yard touchdown reception. Save it for after you score, please. Even dumber was Buffalo WR Stevie Johnson showing a “Happy New Year” message on a T-shirt under his jersey. That drew a 15-yard penalty and the ire of Bills coach Chan Gailey. Earlier this season Johnson mocked New York Jets receivers Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress in separate TD celebrations. One of those celebrations drew a penalty that contributed to the Jets’ come from behind victory over the Bills. Gailey warned his players he would bench anyone else who drew a celebration penalty. Gailey kept his word, as Johnson was held out for the rest of the game.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 17"

1. Behind Tom Brady’s good looks and nice guy personality is a competitor with an incomparable desire to win. After a week of Tim Tebow this and Tim Tebow that, Brady wanted to make a statement. Mission accomplished: 23-34, 320 yards, two TD passes and a rush TD. Tebow is a nice story, but when it comes to the best in the league, Brady expects the list starts with him. Don’t you think Brady envisioned Tebow’s face on the spot Brady spiked the ball after his touchdown run? I think so.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 15"

The centerpieces, TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, are arguably the best tight end duo in the NFL in just their second year.

Both arrived through the 2010 NFL Draft and quickly became impact players. Hernandez first turned heads with speed, a receiver’s quickness and surprising run after the catch ability. Then Gronkowski took over with his unparalleled size, making him a target all over the field, especially in the red zone.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 11"

A couple pieces of history. TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are the first tight end duo to score at least five touchdowns each in two consecutive seasons. And the 37 points scored is the most points allowed at home for the Rex Ryan-led Jets.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 10"

Against San Diego, his 15-yard reception set up the 14-yard touchdown pass to TE Aaron Hernandez. And against Oakland, two first down receptions on the same drive set up a Stephen Gostkowski 44-yard field goal.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 10"

nd’s offense is loaded this year with Welker, Deion Branch, and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. All Ochocinco has to do is fit in as a contributor and step up when asked.

Continue reading "Ochocinco Time Is Now"

er would get plenty of action from Brady after more than 400 receptions over the past four seasons. Aaron Hernandez quickly developed a rapport with Brady because he plays like a bigger, stronger version of Welker. Why other receivers haven’t carried over their success into this preseason is a mystery.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Preseason Week 4"

making it on special teams.

Only tight end Lee Smith can see the light behind Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. With Alge Crumpler released, the path is clear for Smith to assume the blocking TE duties.\This is only training camp, though. 90 players won’t make the final roster. Taking it slow is how head coach Bill Belichick wants to handle the rookies. He won’t play them without adequate preparation. With no mini camps or OTAs, they are far from ready in Belichick’s eyes.

Continue reading "Rookies in Waiting"

It began with the overhauling of the tight end position. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez were drafted in the second and fourth round respectively. And Alge Crumpler replaced Chris Baker as the blocking TE.

Continue reading "Patriots On the Run in 2011 and Beyond"

As good as CB Devin McCourty, LBs Brandon Spikes and Jermaine Cunningham, TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, DLs Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love, and punter Zoltan Mesko were, there is a lot of room for improvement.

Continue reading "A Fueled Off-season"

 TE Aaron Hernandez caught just eleven passes from week 10 to the end of the season. In particular, he was held out of the final two games of the season. DE Brandon Deaderick lost focus on the routine day-to-day preparations and earned a suspension from the team. And when was the last time we heard OLB Jermaine Cunningham’s name?

Continue reading "Walls and Winds"

okie teams are announced.

For these All-Rookie teams, both Patriot tight ends, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, should be selected for the team.

I’m not asking to change Hernandez’s position from TE to WR just to fit him in. The idea is to update the selection process to accommodate offenses and defenses of today.

Continue reading "Week Before Kickoff: Wild Card Weekend"

y Dillon in 2004.

·         TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez assaulted two rookie tight end records. Hernandez owned the receptions for a

Continue reading "Going for Records"

playmaker like they were. 

Just weeks into the preseason, I linked TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez to past Patriots greats Ben Coates and Marv Cook by the numbers assigned to the rookies. It’s unknown if a message is being sent to Gronk (87) and Hernandez (85), but Spikes made it a personal and public challenge to himself before taking a snap in a game. 

Continue reading "Spikes Becoming the Next "55""

CB Devin McCourty and LB Brandon Spikes could be starters. TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez likely will surpass the contribution of the duo they are replacing, Benjamin Watson and Chris Baker. Zoltan Mesko is the new punter. And DL Brandon Deaderick made the active roster as a seventh round selection. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 1"

It’s the most important preseason game – the dress rehearsal. The starters will play three quarters as the players and coaches prepared for the game as if it is a regular season game. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Preseason Three"

I’m sold on TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. They have different abilities that will compliment each other very well. Hernandez appears to have great run after the catch ability. Gronk doesn’t go down after first contact and will power his way for extra yards. Both showed soft hands on their touchdown receptions. Hernandez gets extra points for great body control and dragging his toes inbounds on his score. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game Two"

I want to see more of WRs Brandon Tate and Taylor Price and TEs Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski as a receiver. Gronk was good as a blocker with room for improvement. 

3. My favorite rookie wasn’t ILB Brandon Spikes, but P Zoltan Mesko. Three punts landed inside the 20 and the Saints gained just one punt return yard on two attempts. Mesko will tilt the field during the season if he keeps this up. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game 1"

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez get to prove if they are worthy of the high praise they received from draft evaluators. 

The Cunning Mr. Cunningham: I have no idea what OLB Jermaine Cunningham brings to the team. Is he more run stopper or can he really get after the quarterback? He is one of my biggest curiosities because he was an unexpected selection. 

Continue reading "First Look"

the Patriots might sacrifice a wide out to keep veteran Alge Crumpler and rookie Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. 

With the available roster spots, the Patriots signed TE Carson Butl

Continue reading "Quick Cuts"

Rob Gronkowski has all the tools to be great and has a shot to start as a second round pick. Aaron Hernandez was rated to go earlier than a fourth round pick and could be another draft theft if he works out. 

Continue reading "Starting 11"

Most of the rookies might already be in attendance, but training camp doesn't officially begin until the veterans show up on Thursday. In anticipation, I spoke with FootballOutsiders.com creator Aaron Schatz and got his take on what to look for during camp:

Continue reading "Training Camp Preview"

According to published reports, fourth round steal, TE Aaron Hernandez, was excellent escaping press coverage during mini camp. He did not speak to the media at all. With the help of the Patriots staff, Hernandez was escorted off the field after every practice, away from the microphones, recorders, and a possible distraction. 

Continue reading "Hernandez Up in Smoke?"

The point is these guys face an uphill climb. 

Well, except for TE Aaron Hernandez. He was a second round talent that fell to the fourth over his positive drug test. As long as Hernandez stays clean, he’s a lock. Everyone else, get ready to battle every day. 

Continue reading "See For Yourself Part 2"

They took two tight ends in Rob Gronkowski in the second and Aaron Hernandez, a steal in the fourth round. That’s one way to make up for the loss of WR Wes Welker. 

I got one wish granted on the third day. I will be able to say “No one messes with Zoltan” in honor of punter Zoltan Mesko. Hopefully I won’t owe Adam Sandler royalties for my rendition of Sandler’s movie. 

Continue reading "The Whole Draft"

He’s built to play either end or nose in a 3-4. 

TE Aaron Hernandez

 

Since Ben Watson was allowed to walk, there’s a huge void for a receiving TE. Hernandez would fit the bill. Two concerns: How well can he transition from Florida’s spread offense and how well can he block. 

Continue reading "Ths Visitors Part 3"