Brent Schwartz
@brentschwartz.bsky.social
Partnerships, data in sports tech & media | Patriots 🏈 + NFL analysis
https://brentschwartz.blog/blog
Long live the 3-4 defense, two-gappers and fullbacks
https://brentschwartz.blog/blog
Long live the 3-4 defense, two-gappers and fullbacks
Reposted by Brent Schwartz
So long as #Patriots quarterbacks play in the shadow of Tom Brady’s statue, their truest measure will be how they perform in the clutch.
Down 11 in the 4th quarter with a playoff berth at stake, Drake Maye couldn't have been any better Sunday night. Column:
www.bostonherald.com/2025/12/22/c...
Down 11 in the 4th quarter with a playoff berth at stake, Drake Maye couldn't have been any better Sunday night. Column:
www.bostonherald.com/2025/12/22/c...
Callahan: Drake Maye made a leap in Baltimore and took the Patriots with him
Drake Maye woke up a different quarterback Monday morning than he was before Sunday night’s win. And that is great news for the Patriots.
www.bostonherald.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:14 PM
So long as #Patriots quarterbacks play in the shadow of Tom Brady’s statue, their truest measure will be how they perform in the clutch.
Down 11 in the 4th quarter with a playoff berth at stake, Drake Maye couldn't have been any better Sunday night. Column:
www.bostonherald.com/2025/12/22/c...
Down 11 in the 4th quarter with a playoff berth at stake, Drake Maye couldn't have been any better Sunday night. Column:
www.bostonherald.com/2025/12/22/c...
Reposted by Brent Schwartz
Full shoulder-pads practice for the Patriots today, which per NFL rules, is one of the last they have remaining this year.
Prepping for what they expect to be a physical game Sunday night in Baltimore.
Prepping for what they expect to be a physical game Sunday night in Baltimore.
December 18, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Full shoulder-pads practice for the Patriots today, which per NFL rules, is one of the last they have remaining this year.
Prepping for what they expect to be a physical game Sunday night in Baltimore.
Prepping for what they expect to be a physical game Sunday night in Baltimore.
Lemon seems like the flavor of receiver that has been flourishing in today's NFL throughout Shanahan/McVay tree systems. Tough, competitive gamer with great hands. Can play in the slot, as a Z/flanker or as furthest out in condensed formations for two-way releases on routes.
USC WR Makai Lemon declares for draft
USC WR Makai Lemon declares for draft
USC WR Makai Lemon has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
dlvr.it
December 18, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Lemon seems like the flavor of receiver that has been flourishing in today's NFL throughout Shanahan/McVay tree systems. Tough, competitive gamer with great hands. Can play in the slot, as a Z/flanker or as furthest out in condensed formations for two-way releases on routes.
Perfect “feels like 3 degrees” weather walk this Monday morning in Boston
December 15, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Perfect “feels like 3 degrees” weather walk this Monday morning in Boston
Reposted by Brent Schwartz
A great day for football in Foxborough.
December 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM
A great day for football in Foxborough.
Reposted by Brent Schwartz
Weather forecast for Patriots-Bills kickoff (1 p.m. ET, CBS):
31 degrees, light snow, wind around 8 mph.
31 degrees, light snow, wind around 8 mph.
December 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Weather forecast for Patriots-Bills kickoff (1 p.m. ET, CBS):
31 degrees, light snow, wind around 8 mph.
31 degrees, light snow, wind around 8 mph.
One of the NFL’s most underrated players (Go Huskies). I’ve seen a lot of early mocks with Ravens going DT in Round 1. I think with Travis Jones extended at nose tackle, and Madubuike returning at 3-tech for interior pass rush, Baltimore may look at this edge rusher class with their early picks.
December 11, 2025 at 7:01 PM
One of the NFL’s most underrated players (Go Huskies). I’ve seen a lot of early mocks with Ravens going DT in Round 1. I think with Travis Jones extended at nose tackle, and Madubuike returning at 3-tech for interior pass rush, Baltimore may look at this edge rusher class with their early picks.
Reposted by Brent Schwartz
WR Stefon Diggs on Patriots as underdogs: “Good.”
Diggs says the Patriots play with an edge, in part because of how the roster has been assembled.
“This team is full of (players) that were castoffs, people who were cut or that didn’t necessarily get the opportunity,” he says.
Diggs says the Patriots play with an edge, in part because of how the roster has been assembled.
“This team is full of (players) that were castoffs, people who were cut or that didn’t necessarily get the opportunity,” he says.
December 10, 2025 at 6:52 PM
WR Stefon Diggs on Patriots as underdogs: “Good.”
Diggs says the Patriots play with an edge, in part because of how the roster has been assembled.
“This team is full of (players) that were castoffs, people who were cut or that didn’t necessarily get the opportunity,” he says.
Diggs says the Patriots play with an edge, in part because of how the roster has been assembled.
“This team is full of (players) that were castoffs, people who were cut or that didn’t necessarily get the opportunity,” he says.
ESPN NFL 2K5 lives! Philip Rivers now becomes the last active player from the original rosters. Unless there were official roster updates provided in ‘04/‘05 that included OT Jason Peters (‘04 UDFA, retired last season), Tom Brady was last remaining before this.
December 9, 2025 at 7:32 PM
ESPN NFL 2K5 lives! Philip Rivers now becomes the last active player from the original rosters. Unless there were official roster updates provided in ‘04/‘05 that included OT Jason Peters (‘04 UDFA, retired last season), Tom Brady was last remaining before this.
Drake Maye's ranking among qualified NFL QBs (2025) on passes of 10+ Air Yards, per @NextGenStats
+0.73 EPA/dropback (1st in NFL)
+103.1 EPA (2nd)
127.5 Passer rating (2nd)
13.2 YPA (2nd)
62.4% Completion (1st)
+12.2% CPOE (1st)
+0.73 EPA/dropback (1st in NFL)
+103.1 EPA (2nd)
127.5 Passer rating (2nd)
13.2 YPA (2nd)
62.4% Completion (1st)
+12.2% CPOE (1st)
December 5, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Drake Maye's ranking among qualified NFL QBs (2025) on passes of 10+ Air Yards, per @NextGenStats
+0.73 EPA/dropback (1st in NFL)
+103.1 EPA (2nd)
127.5 Passer rating (2nd)
13.2 YPA (2nd)
62.4% Completion (1st)
+12.2% CPOE (1st)
+0.73 EPA/dropback (1st in NFL)
+103.1 EPA (2nd)
127.5 Passer rating (2nd)
13.2 YPA (2nd)
62.4% Completion (1st)
+12.2% CPOE (1st)
Not bad for a neighborhood view
December 4, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Not bad for a neighborhood view
One of the more underrated players of the decade. To me, he’s the quintessential Z/Flanker. Can play in 2-WR sets on early downs (great at catch point, and working downfield on crossers) and move inside to be your go-to man on 3rd and 6. Always dependable. Helluva player.
Jakobi Meyers generated the fourth-most Total EPA of any pass catcher in Week 13, per SumerSports
December 3, 2025 at 9:24 PM
One of the more underrated players of the decade. To me, he’s the quintessential Z/Flanker. Can play in 2-WR sets on early downs (great at catch point, and working downfield on crossers) and move inside to be your go-to man on 3rd and 6. Always dependable. Helluva player.
2025 #Packers WRs average depth of target (aDOT), min. 5 receptions:
1. Christian Watson (19.4 yds)
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2. Matthew Golden (13.4)
3. Romeo Doubs (12.7)
4. Dontayvion Wicks (12.2)
Clear role in both 2-WR / 3-WR sets as top vertical option. Doubs remains the top high-volume option.
1. Christian Watson (19.4 yds)
---------
2. Matthew Golden (13.4)
3. Romeo Doubs (12.7)
4. Dontayvion Wicks (12.2)
Clear role in both 2-WR / 3-WR sets as top vertical option. Doubs remains the top high-volume option.
Christian Watson came back from ACL surgery as explosive and somehow a more complete receiver
December 3, 2025 at 5:40 PM
2025 #Packers WRs average depth of target (aDOT), min. 5 receptions:
1. Christian Watson (19.4 yds)
---------
2. Matthew Golden (13.4)
3. Romeo Doubs (12.7)
4. Dontayvion Wicks (12.2)
Clear role in both 2-WR / 3-WR sets as top vertical option. Doubs remains the top high-volume option.
1. Christian Watson (19.4 yds)
---------
2. Matthew Golden (13.4)
3. Romeo Doubs (12.7)
4. Dontayvion Wicks (12.2)
Clear role in both 2-WR / 3-WR sets as top vertical option. Doubs remains the top high-volume option.
#Patriots D vs NYG:
- Durden got start at 1-tech, Barmore 3-tech
- DL depth is impressive. They often use an entire fresh second unit for subs. Gregory at 1T, Farmer 3T, Jennings/Ponder in on edges
- NE veers to 3-4 front vs heavy personnel
- Mix of 4-down/2-4-5 in Nickel
- Durden got start at 1-tech, Barmore 3-tech
- DL depth is impressive. They often use an entire fresh second unit for subs. Gregory at 1T, Farmer 3T, Jennings/Ponder in on edges
- NE veers to 3-4 front vs heavy personnel
- Mix of 4-down/2-4-5 in Nickel
December 2, 2025 at 9:21 PM
#Patriots D vs NYG:
- Durden got start at 1-tech, Barmore 3-tech
- DL depth is impressive. They often use an entire fresh second unit for subs. Gregory at 1T, Farmer 3T, Jennings/Ponder in on edges
- NE veers to 3-4 front vs heavy personnel
- Mix of 4-down/2-4-5 in Nickel
- Durden got start at 1-tech, Barmore 3-tech
- DL depth is impressive. They often use an entire fresh second unit for subs. Gregory at 1T, Farmer 3T, Jennings/Ponder in on edges
- NE veers to 3-4 front vs heavy personnel
- Mix of 4-down/2-4-5 in Nickel
Reposted by Brent Schwartz
Patriots-Giants review: Christian Elliss, Hittin' Machine ... Marcus Jones is making me reconsider my belief that Mike Haynes is the best punt returner in Patriots history ... Griping about a meaningless punt ... Aikman was excellent ... and more. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/02/s...
This was the most vicious Patriots defense we’ve seen since they were winning Super Bowls - The Boston Globe
Led by linebacker Christian Elliss, the Patriots were brutal and efficient in their efforts to stop the Giants on Monday night.
www.bostonglobe.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Patriots-Giants review: Christian Elliss, Hittin' Machine ... Marcus Jones is making me reconsider my belief that Mike Haynes is the best punt returner in Patriots history ... Griping about a meaningless punt ... Aikman was excellent ... and more. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/02/s...
BUF-PIT felt like sort of an "eliminator" game. Tough, cold-weather football. High (ish) stakes and heavy atmosphere...I don't feel great about the Steelers going forward. Whereas the Bills, despite their own injury issues/personnel limitations, remain in the thick of the AFC.
December 1, 2025 at 12:07 AM
BUF-PIT felt like sort of an "eliminator" game. Tough, cold-weather football. High (ish) stakes and heavy atmosphere...I don't feel great about the Steelers going forward. Whereas the Bills, despite their own injury issues/personnel limitations, remain in the thick of the AFC.
Once again, the corned beef hash and homemade hot sauce at Theo’s (Boston’s North End) is waking me up for an NFL Sunday
November 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Once again, the corned beef hash and homemade hot sauce at Theo’s (Boston’s North End) is waking me up for an NFL Sunday
Analysis of #Patriots DTs vs CIN:
Christian Barmore – now primary 3-tech/top iDL rusher w/ Williams out
Cory Durden – 33 snaps at DT/NT. May start vs NYG w/ Tonga out. Go Pack🐺
Eric Gregory – 18 snaps, 17 at nose/1T
Jeremiah Pharms – Mostly rushing from B-gap on pass downs
Christian Barmore – now primary 3-tech/top iDL rusher w/ Williams out
Cory Durden – 33 snaps at DT/NT. May start vs NYG w/ Tonga out. Go Pack🐺
Eric Gregory – 18 snaps, 17 at nose/1T
Jeremiah Pharms – Mostly rushing from B-gap on pass downs
November 26, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Analysis of #Patriots DTs vs CIN:
Christian Barmore – now primary 3-tech/top iDL rusher w/ Williams out
Cory Durden – 33 snaps at DT/NT. May start vs NYG w/ Tonga out. Go Pack🐺
Eric Gregory – 18 snaps, 17 at nose/1T
Jeremiah Pharms – Mostly rushing from B-gap on pass downs
Christian Barmore – now primary 3-tech/top iDL rusher w/ Williams out
Cory Durden – 33 snaps at DT/NT. May start vs NYG w/ Tonga out. Go Pack🐺
Eric Gregory – 18 snaps, 17 at nose/1T
Jeremiah Pharms – Mostly rushing from B-gap on pass downs
Qualified WR leaders in CROE (catch rate over expected) in '25 via Next Gen Stats
1. Kayshon Boutte (+24%) #Patriots
2. George Pickens (+13.9%)
3. Stefon Diggs (+13.8%) #Patriots
4. Puka Nacua (+13.3%)
5. Jaxon Smith Njigba (+13.3%)
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7. Mack Hollins (+12.6%) #Patriots
1. Kayshon Boutte (+24%) #Patriots
2. George Pickens (+13.9%)
3. Stefon Diggs (+13.8%) #Patriots
4. Puka Nacua (+13.3%)
5. Jaxon Smith Njigba (+13.3%)
------
7. Mack Hollins (+12.6%) #Patriots
November 26, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Reposted by Brent Schwartz
Finalists for the Biletnikoff Award for the nation's top pass-catcher:
UConn's Skyler Bell
USC's Makai Lemon
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith
UConn's Skyler Bell
USC's Makai Lemon
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith
November 25, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Finalists for the Biletnikoff Award for the nation's top pass-catcher:
UConn's Skyler Bell
USC's Makai Lemon
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith
UConn's Skyler Bell
USC's Makai Lemon
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith
Fantastic stuff from Mike, as always. Short-yardage/goal line stuff(s) analysis is spot on. Even with Tonga as an option, #Patriots absolutely need to invest in a power/lead-blocking fullback this offseason. Maybe Brock Lampe returns and is that guy in '26. Their original plan.
Cleaning out the Patriots notebook following an emotion-filled day in Cincinnati … roster talk … and looking ahead to Monday’s game against the Giants.
November 25, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Fantastic stuff from Mike, as always. Short-yardage/goal line stuff(s) analysis is spot on. Even with Tonga as an option, #Patriots absolutely need to invest in a power/lead-blocking fullback this offseason. Maybe Brock Lampe returns and is that guy in '26. Their original plan.
One of my favorite shows of the decade thus far
Official teaser for #Industry Season 4 - premiering January 11 on HBO Max.
November 24, 2025 at 6:38 PM
One of my favorite shows of the decade thus far
Reposted by Brent Schwartz
Just a nasty contested catch from NC State’s Justin Joly for a TD against Florida State.
Joly is one of the best tight ends in the country. Came into tonight No. 2 in the ACC in yards per route run among TEs (1.72).
Joly is one of the best tight ends in the country. Came into tonight No. 2 in the ACC in yards per route run among TEs (1.72).
November 22, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Just a nasty contested catch from NC State’s Justin Joly for a TD against Florida State.
Joly is one of the best tight ends in the country. Came into tonight No. 2 in the ACC in yards per route run among TEs (1.72).
Joly is one of the best tight ends in the country. Came into tonight No. 2 in the ACC in yards per route run among TEs (1.72).
Madden 26 was half off so I downloaded for fun. Playing my first game and this ended up being a TD catch by TreVeyon Henderson, who is right there next to Geno Stone lmao
After the TD, he glitched with a defender for about 10 seconds
After the TD, he glitched with a defender for about 10 seconds
November 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Madden 26 was half off so I downloaded for fun. Playing my first game and this ended up being a TD catch by TreVeyon Henderson, who is right there next to Geno Stone lmao
After the TD, he glitched with a defender for about 10 seconds
After the TD, he glitched with a defender for about 10 seconds