Tag: David Andrews

Patriots players unveil new uniforms ahead of 2020 season

David Andrews’ photo is by far the best.

The NFL season is around the corner and the New England Patriots will suit up on Sept. 13 against the Miami Dolphins at home.

The Patriots will don their new threads and they released photos on Tuesday of the players in the new blue jerseys. David Andrews had an epic pose and Cam Newton is shown with his first NFL uniform that isn’t representing the Carolina Panthers. New England is entering a new chapter, with a new MVP quarterback and a slightly new look — which is fitting for the ever-changing year of 2020.

Here are the Patriots in their new uniforms.

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Hold up, pose 📸

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New year, new unis, new pics.

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5 Patriots extension candidates with all of their newfound cap space

These Patriots could see new contracts soon.

The Patriots have found themselves with a windfall of cap space. After the eight opt-outs, New England now has the third-most cap space in the NFL with $35.28 million.

That’s quite an adjustment from the $260,000 in cap space they had just a month ago.

With all of this room to work, the Patriots have many options for spending. Many fans would like them to go out and sign some quality free agents that are still available on the market. Big names like Jadeveon Clowney and Everson Griffen are still available so the sentiment is understandable.

However, with so many players entering the final year of their contract, it makes sense that the Patriots look to extend a few of their own with the extra cap room.

These five players would be great candidates to receive an extension in the coming weeks.

David Andrews

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Andrews may have missed all of last season with blood clots in his lungs, but he isn’t letting that stop him. Despite the risk of playing through the pandemic, Andrews is in the facility getting ready for the season.

There will be a lot of change happening in New England over the next few seasons including this year being the first year without veteran offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Having a consistent anchor in the middle of the line for years to come would not hurt.

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Report: Patriots C David Andrews will not opt out of 2020 season

New England will have their starting center.

New England Patriots center David Andrews intends to play in 2020 amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to NFL Network’s Mike Giardi.

Andrews missed the 2019 season after suffering a pulmonary embolism, which led to blood clots in his lungs. He spent the entire year on injured reserve. And though five of Andrews’ teammates has already decided they will not play this year, the Patriots will likely have their starting center on the offensive line when training camp practices commence later this month.

New England’s rushing offense struggled without Andrews, and perhaps that materialized most clearly in starting running back Sony Michel’s yards per carry. In 2018, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry, but that number fell to 3.7 in 2019. Andrews’ 2019 backup, Ted Karras, left in free agency, so New England drafted center Dustin Woodard, who seems slated to be Andrew’s backup.

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6 biggest strengths on the Patriots’ roster ahead of training camp

Here are the six biggest strengths on the Patriots’ roster heading into training camp.

The New England Patriots are heading into an extremely odd year in 2020 — for many reasons.

Tom Brady’s gone, the coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented circumstances and that’s just to name a couple of them. New England also lost out on key contributors his offseason with Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy, Danny Shelton, Elandon Roberts and of course, Brady.

For all of these reasons, it’s set up for a peculiar training camp and a lower bar for the Patriots this season. Fortunately, Bill Belichick is still the coach and he happened to collect a former NFL MVP at quarterback under the veteran minimum (Cam Newton if you were wondering).

There are many reasons to believe the Patriots can overcome this adversity and put together a winning season. Here are six strengths the Patriots have on their roster ahead of training camp.

Offensive line

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line will be the most important group for the Patriots in 2020. They’ll be responsible for clearing holes for the team’s running attack, protecting a new quarterback in this system and keeping the pace going offensively in general. Before, a shaky offensive line would get covered up by the genius of Brady. Now, every mistake will be exposed.

Fortunately, the Patriots carry one of the best offensive lines heading into the season. The group features Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason and Marcus Cannon. They have the ability to excel as pass and run-blockers and will be fundamental in the team’s success — health is the only concern.

The Patriots will likely have a run-heavy scheme that relies on great defense and clock management. This season will boil down to the trenches and Belichick is heading into the season with the right pieces in play.

Cornerbacks

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Similar to the offensive line, the Patriots will head into the 2020 season with arguably the best group of cornerbacks. The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore, will head the group. Jason McCourty, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones and Joejaun Williams will be his counterparts.

New England allowed the second-least passing yards last season (2,886) and recorded the most interceptions (25) — with 12 coming from cornerbacks. Gilmore was named a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro for the second consecutive season and he only allowed one touchdown on the year.

Jackson is entering his third season and is ascending as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, while Jones remains elite as a slot cover guy. The Patriots have one of the best cornerback crews in the NFL and it’ll allow for maximum flexibility for Belichick.

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PFF: Despite Dante Scarnecchia’s retirement, Patriots boast top 10 offensive line

New England’s offensive line will be fundamental in the team’s success in 2020.

One of the most underrated, least-spoken of units for the New England Patriots entering 2020 is the offensive line.

The secondary, special teams and running back corps have earned well-deserved praise. New England’s linebacker, tight end and wide receiver groups have drawn criticism based off the lack of depth. The quarterback position has been in a flux after Tom Brady’s departure and these factors have left little talk on the offensive line.

Brady’s absence will leave a heavy emphasis on the defense and running backs to keep the team afloat. The offensive line will be the foundation for everything the Patriots plan on doing this season and they won’t have the league’s greatest quarterback to cover up mistakes. Fortunately, if healthy, the Patriots will carry one of the league’s best groups.

Long-time offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia retired this offseason, leaving skepticism heading into 2020. Cole Popovich and Carmen Bricillo will join up and hold down Scarnecchia’s role the best they can.

Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzalo ranked the offensive line groups of all 32 NFL teams and put New England at No. 7.

The Patriots finished 10th in our 2019 rankings, and they should have a unit capable of cracking the top 10 once again. Left tackle Isaiah Wynn has played just 563 snaps after being drafted in the first round in 2018 and graded out at 70.7 overall last year, good for 34th among 89 tackles. Wynn got off to a good start in what was essentially his rookie season and showed he was capable in pass protection with a 75.0 grade. Right tackle Marcus Cannon has graded at 70.0-plus over the past four years, though last season’s 70.1 mark is his lowest during that span. He has developed into one of the more dependable right tackles in the league after turning his career around in 2016 with an 86.6 grade that tied for sixth among all tackles.

On the inside, left guard Joe Thuney has improved his grade in every season since entering the league in 2016. He finished with a 79.2 overall mark in 2019, good for fifth among guards. Thuney graded out at 88.0 as a pass protector, allowing just 17 pressures on 732 attempts after improving his ability to handle power players. Right guard Shaq Mason is one of the better run blockers in the league, capable of collapsing defenders at the line of scrimmage or locating them on the move. Mason’s 86.9 overall grade since 2016 ranks fifth among guards.

At center, David Andrews returns after missing all of 2019 due to injury. Andrews has graded at 67.0 or better in each year as a starter from 2015 to 2018, including a career-high 82.1 mark in 2017. While the starting five has plenty of experience, New England has an intriguing group of first- and second-year players — including tackles Yodny Cajuste and Justin Herron and guards Hjalte Froholdt and Michael Onwenu. That group gives the Patriots excellent depth and flexibility when building for the future.

If Cam Newton earns the starting role, he’ll have one of the best lines in his NFL career. It’ll keep him in the pocket and minimize the amount of times he has to scramble and risk injury. Everything starts with the trenches and the Patriots have a top-notch foundation to work with next season.

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David Andrews joked that his relationship with Shaq Mason is “like a marriage”

Shaq Mason and David Andrews are really close.

Football is a sport of brotherhood. Players often talk about how their teammates become friends and a lot of them become family. Few position groups are as close as the offensive line.

In an ideal situation, the same five guys will play nearly every snap of a season together. Naturally, those guys spend a lot of time together. In New England, two of the most important players on that offensive line have been center David Andrews and right guard Shaq Mason.

While Andrews was discussing his team with NBC Sports Boston’s The Camera Guys, he joked about what their relationship is really like, especially with Andrews coming from Georgia and Mason coming from Georgia Tech.

“We had to go to a lot of counseling. So, that’s been tough,” Andrews explained. “I’m a little worried [because] we haven’t been in a while. It’s kind of like a marriage, so we might have to go back.”

The two offensive linemen had their college programs square off four times during their four-year careers spanning from 2011-2014. Andrews’ Bulldogs won three of the four meetings, but Mason’s Yellow Jackets took the final game in their senior year.

They both joined the Patriots in 2015, Mason as a fourth-round pick and Andrews as an undrafted free agent. Together they formed a talented, reliable duo on the interior. However, when Andrews missed all of last season due to blood clots in his lungs, Mason had his arguably his worst season in New England.

With Andrews expected to return this season, some counseling may be in order to get them back on the same page. However, without longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, the task will be a little more difficult.

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Every prime time NFL game featuring former Georgia football players

After the release of the 2020 NFL schedule, here’s a look at every prime-time game that former Georgia football players will appear in.

On Thursday, the NFL released its 2020 schedule, providing more optimism that a football season will take place come September.

With Georgia having added seven new players into the league via the NFL Draft, there’s going to be a number of UGA fans hoping for a chance to watch some former Dawgs play on prime-time television.

The Patriots, Cowboys, Chiefs, Packers, 49ers, Rams and Buccaneers will be featured most in prime time during the 2020 NFL season with five games apiece.

Georgia players on those teams:

Cowboys, Packers and Bucs do not have any Bulldogs.

Patriots: C David Andrews, RB Sony Michel, OL Isaiah Wynn

Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman

49ers: TE Charlie Woerner

Rams: OLB Leonard Floyd, ILB Natrez Patrick, DB Tyrique McGhee.

Here is a list of every nationally televised NFL game featuring Georgia Bulldogs.

Some of these game are subject to a time change and some of the players signed as undrafted free agents. As of right now, these are the teams they are on.

For a full list of Georgia players and their NFL teams, click here.

Thursday Night Football:

  • Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET
  • TV channel: Fox, NFL Network
  • Live stream: Amazon Prime

Thursday Sept. 17: Browns at Bengals

Georgia players on Browns: RB Nick Chubb, RB Brian Herrien

Georgia players on Bengals: DT Geno Atkins, WR AJ Green, DT Tyler Clark, DB Shawn Williams

Thursday Sept. 24: Dolphins at Jaguars

Georgia players on Dolphins: OG Solomon Kindley

Georgia players on Jags: WR Chris Conley, WR Terry Godwin, DT Abry Jones, S J.R. Reed

Thursday Oct. 1: Broncos at Jets

Georgia players on Broncos: N/A

Georgia players on Jets: WR Lawrence Cager, OLB Jordan Jenkins

Thursday Oct. 8: Buccaneers at Bears

Georgia players on Bucs: N/A

Georgia players on Bears: WR Reggie Davis, DT John Jenkins, WR Riley Ridley, LB Roquan Smith, WR Javon Wims

Thursday Oct. 15: Chiefs at Bills

Georgia players on Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman

Georgia players on Bills: QB Jake Fromm, WR Isaiah McKenzie

Thursday Oct. 22: Giants at Eagles

Georgia players on Giants: OT Andrew Thomas, LB Tae Crowder, OLB Lorenzo Carter

Georgia players on Eagles: RB Elijah Holyfield

Thursday Oct. 29: Falcons at Panthers

Georgia players on Falcons: RB Todd Gurley

Georgia players on Panthers: N/A

Thursday Nov. 5: Packers at 49ers

Georgia players on Packers: N/A

Georgia players on 49ers: TE Charlie Woerner

Thursday Nov. 12: Colts at Titans

Georgia players on Colts: K Rodrigo Blankenship, OLB Justin Houston

Georgia players on Titans: C Ben Jones, OT Isaiah Wilson, OLB D’Andre Walker

Thursday Nov. 19: Cardinals at Seahawks

Georgia players on Cardinals: OL Lamont Gaillard

Georgia players on Seahawks: DB Jayson Stanley

THANKSGIVING

Thursday Nov. 26: Texans at Lions (12:30 p.m. CBS)

Georgia players on Texans: OLB Davin Bellamy, WR Tyler Simmons

Georgia players on Lions: RB D’Andre Swift, QB Matt Stafford, DT John Atkins, TE Isaac Nauta

Thursday Nov. 26: Redskins at Cowboys (4:30 p.m. Fox)

Georgia players on Redskins: OLB Thomas Davis, S Maurice Smith

Georgia players on Cowboys: N/A

Thursday Nov. 26: Ravens at Steelers (8:20 p.m. NBC)

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Georgia players on Steelers: N/A

Thursday Dec. 3: Cowboys at Ravens 

Georgia players on Cowboys: N/A

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Thursday Dec. 10: Patriots at Rams

Georgia players on Patriots: C David Andrews, RB Sony Michel, OL Isaiah Wynn

Georgia players on Rams: OLB Leonard Floyd, ILB Natrez Patrick, DB Tyrique McGhee

Thursday Dec. 17: Chargers at Ravens 

Georgia players on Chargers: N/A

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Friday Dec. 25: Vikings at Saints

No Georgia players in this game

Next: Sunday Night Football

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David Andrews discusses ‘freak accident’ that held him out of 2019 season

“I think it was just kind of a freak accident thing.”

New England Patriots center David Andrews missed all of the 2019 season on injured reserve with blood clots in his lungs, but he announced on Instagram this week that he’ll be playing in 2020, so long as there is a season.

Andrews was asked whether he’ll have any restrictions heading into next season.

“I’m not really sure if there’s a real restriction on anything. I haven’t been told that,” he told reporters on a videoconference call on Tuesday. “Part of it was the medicine I was on and I’m off that medicine, so I can go about living my normal life. The recurrence thing, that’s something unfortunately you can’t really pin down, so I’m just going to go about my life, keep playing this game and doing what I can, stay as healthy as I can. I think it was just kind of a freak accident thing.”

Andrews, the Patriots’ starting center since he entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2015, took a moment to reflect upon his support systems, and thanked all those that helped him get back on the field this season.

“I’m very fortunate that I am able to continue playing this game,” Andrews said. “I’m very appreciative of all the support I received from my family, my friends, my wife, but really the organization as a whole from the Kraft family down to Coach [Bill] Belichick to Josh [McDaniels], Scar [Dante Scarnecchia], all the coaches. And then obviously all the doctors, our medical staff, strength staff continuously working with me, to the doctors I had to deal with, the time they spent with me, the questions, a lot of phone calls, our team doctors.”

When Andrews headed to injured reserve, backup Ted Karras took over. He departed in free agency for the Miami Dolphins this offseason, which leaves the team with just Andrews and seventh-round pick, Dustin Woodard. New England badly needs Andrews in 2020, if he’s healthy.

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2020 draft confirms it: The Patriots focusing on the run post-Tom-Brady era

The Patriots placed a premium on offensive lineman this weekend as they prepare for a world post-Tom Brady.

When you look at the New England Patriots draft selections, it’s very evident that there was a specific focus on improving blocking on the offensive line and at the tight end position. The focus on the line might also give us a glimpse into the future of the New England Patriots offense.

By not drafting another quarterback to compete with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer, and by not drafting any wide receivers, New England looks like it is going to favor the running game for the foreseeable future.

They started their offensive line approach in the fifth round, selecting Michael Onwenu from Michigan.  The theme of drafting linemen continued  just 13 picks later, as they selected offensive tackle Justin Herron from Wake Forest. Finally, the offensive line theme ended with the selection of Dustin Woodard from Memphis.

When it came to their selections at tight end, Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, they are two of the best blockers in their draft class. That may not be saying much, with this year’s class looking lackluster. Still, it was a clear emphasis for New England.

When you take a look at the lineman that are currently on the roster, many of them are seasoned veterans. Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Joe Thuney, and David Andrews are all players that have been through the rigors of the National Football League for a couple of seasons now. Having an experienced line will certainly help whoever is under center in 2020.

Nevertheless, Cannon is about to enter his tenth season. Mason is about to enter his sixth season, while Thuney and Andrews are both about to embark on their fifth seasons. Although they are not old in actual age, they have a lot of miles on them football -wise.

New England still does not know what they’re going to get from Yodny Cajuste. The West Virginia product missed his entire rookie season with a quad injury. However, Doug Kyed reported a little more than a month ago that Cajuste should be ready to go once training camp begins. The bottom line is, the Patriots have a talented group of lineman right now. They are also stockpiling the position for the future.

Their draft strategy of focusing on the line makes sense that given that the Patriots are entering a quarterback situation where they could potentially have to start a second-year player. With that being the case, why not run the ball more? Stidham certainly has talent, and it’s important to note that he is not being undermined here. However, he is certainly going to need to adjust to the starting role. Establishing a solid running game, beginning with the line, is going to be crucial for the organization moving forward.

New England took the first steps toward a more conservative gameplan this weekend. If anything, Patriots fans may see a team like the one that won the Super Bowl in 2001. Running first with an occasional mix of passing the football may be the key ingredient to stabilized success both for the season and the future. It may be different than what some fans are used to, but it could help Stidham gain confidence and adjust to the starting role.

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Patriots C David Andrews thinks Georgia football should be considered ‘OLU’

Patriots C David Andrews thinks it’s time for Georgia football to be called ‘OLU’ after having two more first round NFL Draft picks.

On Thursday night, Georgia had two offensive linemen selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Left tackle Andrew Thomas went #4 to the New York Giants and right tackle Isaiah Wilson went at #29 to the Tennessee Titans.

That gives Georgia three first-round selections from the offensive line in the last three drafts. Isaiah Wynn went in the first round to the Patriots in 2018, and then two went in 2020.

David Andrews, another former Georgia offensive lineman now in the NFL, actually went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. But it did not take Andrews long to be hiking the ball to the greatest quarterback in NFL history and to become a two-time Super Bowl champion.

After both Thomas and Wilson became first round selections, Andrews tweeted that maybe it’s time for Georgia to be considered ‘OLU’ – meaning Offensive Line University.

Georgia has called itself RBU for years now thanks to all the running back talent UGA pumps into the NFL.

But I see nothing wrong with the addition of OLU.

Andrews also made an announcement of his own on Thursday, posting to Instagram that he has been cleared to play in 2020 for the Patriots after missing all of 2019 with blood clots in his lungs.