The team that wins the turnover battle usually wins the game, and it’s no mystery why: whether a strip-sack to end a key drive, an interception returned for a touchdown, or a game-saving pick, few plays make more of a difference in winning and losing. In the first in a new series, Dave Archibald looks…
Special teams is the phase of the game overlooked by fans. But in the opening game of the season between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, Josh Scobee’s technique failed him on two critical field goals, contributing to a Pittsburgh loss. Chuck Zodda examines Scobee’s misses, and what to expect the rest of the…
NFL offensive coordinators are always looking for a play, or personnel package, that gives them an edge on the opponent. In the season opener, the New England Patriots unveiled a four tight end package against the Pittsburgh Steelers, to great success. Dave Archibald breaks down the plays and shows how getting one on one matchups…
The NFL season kicks off in earnest on Sunday, with Week 1 matchups to watch all over the league. The Philadelphia Eagles and Chip Kelly face off with the Atlanta Falcons and Dan Quinn, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles begins his sophomore campaign, the St. Louis Rams dominant defensive line squares off with the shaky…
The NFL Network aired “Do Your Job: Bill Belichick and the 2014 New England Patriots” on Wednesday night, highlighting the legendary coach and his team as they defeated the Seattle Seahawks to win their fourth Super Bowl Championship. The highlight of the special – and the season – was undrafted rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler’s game-winning…
With the regular season around the corner, Inside The Pylon reached out to former NFL scout and current ScoutingAcademy.com director Dan Hatman for a cheat sheet on who the pros are keeping an eye on – and who may be in danger of losing their job. Here he identifies which NFC South players to watch in 2015. Atlanta…
With the regular season around the corner, Inside The Pylon reached out to former NFL scout and current Scouting Academy director Dan Hatman for a cheat sheet on who the pros are keeping an eye on – and who may be in danger of losing their job. He starts with identifying which NFC North players to watch in…
Preseason football is all about the hopefuls putting in the extra work to make the team. While the coaches’ eyes are glued to the rookies and undrafted free agents to complete their evaluations, most fans tune in to get a first glimpse of the stars. Joshua Soden turned to the tape room to evaluate the Miami…
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick prizes versatility, and the defensive line provides many different options: Veterans such as Chandler Jones and Sealver Siliga, and youngsters like Dominique Easley and rookie Malcom Brown. Aidan Curran reviewed the film of the New Orleans Saints Week 2 preseason matchup, focusing on Patriots versatile defensive line. NFL coaches crave versatility, as it offers them flexibility in roster…
Every person reading this now has been told they weren’t good enough to be a professional ballplayer. While life goes on, a special few have decided to switch sports and then succeed in their second career ‒ Shaq Thompson is one of those special athletes. Despite failing completely in baseball, Thompson went back to school and…
The New England Patriots enter 2015 with an almost-entirely new group of cornerbacks: Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler, returning third-year man Logan Ryan, and Philadelphia Eagles castoff Bradley Fletcher are competing for roster spots and starting roles. Just before camp opened, the Patriots added veteran Tarrell Brown to the mix. Peter Benet looks at the…
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler is a bonafide Super Bowl hero. His interception on the goal line stand in the final minute will live on in football lore as one of the most clutch plays in the game’s history. Is he the latest no-name player to shine briefly on the big stage and disappear or did…
The New England Patriots secondary looks much different headed into 2015, losing the irreplaceable Darrelle Revis, the much-flagged Brandon Browner and the underappreciated Kyle Arrington from last season’s Super Bowl champions. One of the players who needs to step into a prominent role is third year cornerback Logan Ryan. Pass defense aficionado Dave Archibald looks at Ryan’s…
With a four-game suspension hanging over the head of franchise quarterback Tom Brady, the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots will likely need the services of second-year backup Jimmy Garoppolo. Mark Schofield reviewed the tape and breaks down what traits he brings to the position. Jimmy Garoppolo was selected in the second round of the…
Inside The Pylon works tirelessly to deliver quality football articles to our readers. But writers around the internet produce high-level football writing every day, some of which you may have missed. This Week in Football Writing pulls together some of our favorite pieces and shares them with you to ensure our loyal readers have access to the great…
Inside The Pylon works tirelessly to deliver quality football articles to our readers. But writers around the internet produce high-level football writing every day, some of which you may have missed. This Week in Football Writing pulls together some of our favorite pieces and shares them with you to ensure our loyal readers have access to the great…