Tag: Jake Bailey

Bill Belichick explains how P Jake Bailey was a ‘weapon’ vs. the Chiefs

The second-year punter isn’t slowing down.

After getting drafted in 2019, fifth-round punter Jake Bailey has been nothing short of outstanding for the New England Patriots.

He’s was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice in his rookie season and he averages 45.3 yards per punt. The Patriots were able to justifiably drop six-year veteran punter Ryan Allen for the up-and-coming standout punter.

Bailey had another incredible performance on Monday night while playing against the Kansas City Chiefs. His three punts traveled 51, 47 and 48 yards — pinning the Chiefs within the 15-yard line every time.

While joining WEEI’s “Ordway, Merloni & Fauria” on Tuesday, Bill Belichick spoke in further depth about Bailey.

“That’s an excellent observation,” Belichick said, transcribed by NESN. “He took those two explosive players — Hardman and Hill — out of the game. We almost had a turnover on the punt that they weren’t able to handle — well, there were a couple they weren’t able to handle.

“But he did an excellent job of not only hitting for distance but placing the ball. It was kind of a tough wind there (Monday) night; it was a crosswind and had a little bit of gust to it, as well. So it was not the easiest conditions to kick or catch in in the punting game.”

Bailey handled the tough conditions and Belichick didn’t miss that.

“But you’re right, Jake was a weapon,” Belichick said. “He really came through for us (Monday) night.”

The Patriots’ special teams and defense came through in a big way on Sunday, now the team waits for Cam Newton to return and put some points on the board.

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Who have been the last 10 players drafted 163rd overall?

Bears GM Ryan Pace has found gems in the later rounds. And there are some gems with the last 10 picks at No. 163.

While Bears general manager Ryan Pace has struggled with early-round picks during his tenure, he’s known for finding gems in the later rounds.

So perhaps it’s somewhat encouraging that Chicago has five draft picks between Rounds 5-7 in the 2020 NFL Draft — including pick 163.

When considering the previous players that have been taken at 163rd overall, there are some encouraging signs on this list that show that, if you get the right guy, he could evolve into a solid contributor.

Let’s take a look at the last 10 picks at No. 163.

2019: P Jake Bailey, Patriots

AP Photo/Ron Schwane

As a rookie, Bailey saw immediate action for the Patriots. He started all 16 regular-season games, as well as New England’s lone playoff contest, where Bailey averaged 44.9 yards per punt, including a long of 65 yards and 36 punts within the 20 yard line.

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Kyle Van Noy reacts to Patriots’ Pro Bowl snubs

The Patriots have three Pro Bowlers this season, but some key players didn’t make the cut. 

The New England Patriots have three Pro Bowlers this season, but some key players didn’t make the cut.

Stephon Gilmore, Dont’a Hightower and Matthew Slater were the ones that earned the honor. Some players that have had seasons worth a Pro Bowl nod are Jamie Collins, Jake Bailey, Julian Edelman, Joe Thuney and Kyle Van Noy.

Van Noy is one of the most outspoken Patriots, and he expressed his disappointment with a tweet on Tuesday.

He followed up with this tweet shortly after.

He still acknowledged his teammates for the honors.

Van Noy has a history of proving people wrong and gaining fuel from situations like this. He’s sitting at a career-high 6.5 sacks right now and is a key component in this New England defense, but this won’t be the season he earns his first Pro Bowl nod.

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Looking at the Patriots’ 5 biggest Pro Bowl snubs in 2019

How did they miss Julian Edelman’s impressive season?

The New England Patriots have three 2020 Pro Bowl nominees: cornerback Stephon Gilmore, linebacker Donta Hightower and special teams captain Matthew Slater. But there were a few other deserving Patriots when considering the

5. Jake Bailey, P

His 33 punts inside the 20-yard line are second best in the NFL. His average of 44.9 (20th in the NFL) makes him a hard sell, however.

4. Jamie Collins, LB

There was a period at the beginning of the season when Collins looked like a candidate to earn Defensive Player of the Year. Now, that’s a title cornerback Stephon Gilmore is more likely to earn. Still, Collins season has been impressive with 71 tackles, three interceptions, one touchdown return, three forced fumbles and six sacks. Collins has been able to contribute well against the run and pass.

3. Devin McCourty, CB

He’s been the safety net at the back-end of the Patriots’ tremendous defense in 2019. Steelers safety Minkah Fitpatrick finished ahead of McCourty with a Pro Bowl invite. But it’s hard to see why McCourty missed out in a season when he has had five interceptions, seven pass-breakups, two forced fumles, 48 tackles and 10 for a loss.

2. Joe Thuney, G

Thuney has been one of the best offensive linemen for a struggling Patriots’ line. But make no mistake: he’s one of the best guards in the NFL. But he hates attention and would never bring it to himself.

1. Julian Edelman, WR

It’s hard to understand why Browns receiver Jarvis Landry got a nod over Julian Edelman. The Patriots receiver has the second most receptions (92) and fourth most receiving yards (1,019) in the AFC. He also had six touchdowns. Landry, meanwhile, has 74 catches, 1,018 yards and five touchdowns. Landry’s team is TK. Edelman’s team is 11-3.

What’s more, Edelman has almost single-handedly powered the Patriots passing attack. He’s been New England’s primary source of receiving yards, with almost double the next-best pass-catcher (RB James White with 588 yards) and almost triple the next-best receiver (Phillip Dorsett with 347 yards).

Edelman should’ve been a shoe-in. You can squint and understand why the others on this list missed the cut. That’s pretty hard with Edelman.

Patriots’ Jake Bailey earns second AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award

For the second time this season, Patriots punter Jake Bailey has earned the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award. 

For the second time this season, New England Patriots punter Jake Bailey has earned the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

Bailey won the award for his performance in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he punted eight times for 381 yards — with an average of 47.6 yards. Six of those punts landed within the 20-yard line, and three of those landed within the 10-yard line.

The Patriots drafted Bailey in the fifth round this season and trusted him enough to release three-time Super Bowl champion Ryan Allen. By drafting Bailey, Bill Belichick also went against his norm of having a left-footed punter.

Bailey has also had some help from Pro Bowl special teamer’s Matthew Slater and Justin Bethel.

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