New Veteran Patriots Motivated in 2017
Ask Tom Brady which championship is his favorite and he’ll say without hesitation, “The next one.” The answer is always the same.
The Patriots are favored by many to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. Based on New England’s off-season, the Patriots appear to be in great position to help Brady get one for the other thumb. But for the veteran additions, this season is their best shot at their first ring.
The Patriot Way demands sacrifice for the good of the team. It didn’t take long for the veterans to get it either. The locker room atmosphere and the business-like approach opened their eyes. They quickly understood why the Patriots have been so successful for so long.
They want a piece of that success. They want contribute to it. At the same time, they also want to get something personal out of it.
Two former Buffalo Bills have something to prove. Stephon Gilmore, arguably the top available free agent cornerback in 2017, signed for five years, $65 million ($40 million guaranteed) with the Patriots. Finally playing for a probable playoff team, Gilmore is expected to play like an elite corner to help New England reach the post season.
Living up to the contract is one burden. But if Gilmore doesn’t play up to the coaching staff’s expectations, Malcolm Butler is ready to intercept the number one role like a goal line slant pass.
RB Mike Gillislee followed Gilmore from upstate New York with WR Chris Hogan as his inspiration. With limited opportunities for playing time behind LeSean McCoy, Gillislee wants to finally be a lead back. A larger role is possible, even in New England’s crowded backfield.
Hogan signed with the Patriots last year after being buried on Buffalo’s depth chart behind Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods. Even with a well-stocked assortment of pass catchers that included WR Julian Edelman and TEs Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, Hogan by far had the best season of his career with New England.
Gillislee is off to a good start. Gillislee scored twice on two goal line carries on the third day of training camp, including running over safety Devin McCourty on the first attempt.
If Gillislee has a career year similar to Hogan’s, Gillislee’s first 1,000-yard rushing season will be within reach.
For some, it might simply come down to money. New England hopes to tap into the DE Kony Ealy from Super Bowl XL. In that game Ealy had three sacks, a pass defended, an interception and a forced fumble. More of that and Ealy would cash in next year.
Ealy is in the final year of his contract. A productive season means he’ll hit the market as an unrestricted free agent with the freedom to sign with the highest bidder. Defensive end is the second highest average salary in the league, trailing only quarterbacks.
A double-digit sack season might get Ealy a Brinks truck with his name on it like the one Boston Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas should get in 2018.
And if you’re LB David Harris, you want to win. Six playoff games in 10 seasons with the New York Jets can simplify a player’s desires.
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