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Pierce Downey

Pierce Downey is a Texas-based Patriots fan who has previously written for Stadium Rant and Around The Block Network in the past. Downey also appears on numerous podcasts and talk shows to discuss football. You can follow him on Twitter @patsdowney.

Three paths Patriots can take with fourth pick in NFL Draft

Which players the first three teams (Titans, Browns, Giants) select will limit New England's options, but plenty of top talent will be available regardless.

Despite thrilling Masters finish, future of pro golf remains in question

Rory McIlroy's victory at the Masters on Sunday was the most-watched final round of the tournament since 2018. But despite the tournament's success, the future of men's pro golf seems to be in limbo. 

Five reasons Patriots will be much improved

After firing head coach Jerod Mayo in January, the New England Patriots overhauled the team, making significant changes on offense, defense and on the coaching staff.

Senior Bowl Day 3 takeaways: Oregon WR continues his tear

There were many positives to take away from the final day of practice for Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl. Several players raised their draft stock with strong performances in front of hundreds of NFL scouts.

Senior Bowl Day 2 takeaways: Top QB prospect struggles, surprising EDGE looks major

On Wednesday at Hancock Whitney Stadium, players practiced for the second day in preparation for Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl.

Three recent Patriots picks highlight struggles in draft under Eliot Wolf

The New England Patriots have a new head coach in Mike Vrabel, who replaced the fired Jerod Mayo. But executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf remains.

Who's really to blame for disastrous Patriots season

In a news conference Monday, one day after firing rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced that executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf would remain for 2025.

A three-point plan for Patriots 2025 offseason

New England's disastrous 2024 season is nearly over, but the hard work has just begun for the Patriots. 

How the Patriots should handle the remainder of the season

It's becoming increasingly likely New England will miss the postseason for the third straight season. Here's how the Patriots should handle the remainder of the season.

How Patriots QB Drake Maye can succeed in starting role

Since Maye is playing behind a dreadful offensive line and throwing to a lackluster group of receivers, finding consistent success during the rest of his rookie season will be a tall task.

How the Patriots can remain undefeated after Week 2

The New England Patriots (1-0) opened a lot of eyes following their 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

What we learned from the Patriots' surprise Week 1 victory

After a season in which the New England Patriots played some of their worst football in decades, they came out and looked like a competent football team to open the 2024 campaign.

Three Patriots backups who could make a difference in season opener

Sunday, the Patriots will open up the season against the Bengals. The majority of pressure is resting on starters. However, there are several players lower on the depth chart whose performances will be crucial to the team. Here are three Patriots backups who will be important for the first game of the 2024 season:

Preseason opener shakes up Patriots' backup QB situation

The ongoing battle between second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe and rookie Joe Milton for the Patriots' third QB slot saw important developments in their 17-3 preseason victory against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.

Three under-the-radar Patriots defenders who could make a leap this season

Entering 2024, Patriots backups on defense seem more promising. Here are under-the-radar players who have the potential to transform the defense.

What Jabrill Peppers extension means for Patriots

Per Pro Football Focus metrics, Peppers was rated as the fifth-best safety in the NFL last year. In 15 games, he recorded two interceptions (tied for most on the team), one forced fumble (second-most) and 78 total tackles (fourth-most).

Three important decisions the Patriots must make before regular season

With starters not finalized and contracts unsettled, New England Patriots rookie head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf have work to do beginning Tuesday, when veterans report to training camp.

Three storylines to follow during Patriots training camp

The Patriots underwent major renovations this offseason and will head into the season with a new set of coaches, quarterbacks and receivers. 

Why Patriots' Christian Gonzalez has an important season ahead of him

Entering training camp, tons of attention will be on Patriots second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

Previewing additions to the Patriots' 2024 receiving corps

Here is an analysis of New England's recent additions and what they mean for the future of the squad.

How the Patriots should handle their quarterbacks

For the 2024 season, the New England Patriots drastically altered the makeup of their quarterback room. 

Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye? Evaluating potential Patriots QB options in NFL Draft

For the Patriots, the 2024 NFL Draft is one of the more intriguing and important drafts in franchise history. 

Three players for the Patriots to consider on Day 3 of the NFL Draft

Successful Day 3 selections can be crucial in fielding a dominant football team.