The Ex-pats Podcast - A Patriots Podcast

Rob Ninkovich and Phil Perry break down the Patriots week 1 win over the Texans. (5:00) Ninkovich gives his first impressions of the Patriots defense under Brian Flores. (8:30) Will the Texans offensive line be the worst line the Patriots face this season? (11:20) What grades do we give the Patriots offense after game 1? (17:00) Dont’a Hightower joins our crew to break down the Patriots week 1 win, and how it felt to be back on the field. (21:00) Rob Ninkovich gives his studs and duds from the Patriots-Texans game. WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

Mike Giardi is joined by former NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to discuss the 2018 Draft Class, including Logan Woodside from his alma mater, Toledo. Gradkowski talks about his draft experience and how the combine results are way overblown in terms of translating to success in the league. WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

Mike Giardi chats with Executive Producer of "NFL Matchup" (and NFL Films) Greg Cosell to talk about some of the players that have been linked to the New England Patriots in one way or another for the 2018 NFL Draft. Players discussed in this episode include Louisville QB Lamar Jackson (1:50), Oklahoma St. QB Mason Rudolph (4:55), Washington St. QB Luke Falk (7:13), Maryland WR DJ Moore (9:45), offensive tackles Kolton Miller of UCLA and Connor Williams of Texas (11:37), Edge prospect Lorenzo Carter of Georgia (16:45), LB's Leighton Vander Esch of Boise St. and Rashaan Evans of Alabama (18:25). Also, Cosell talks about a couple of under the radar later round picks he likes - LB Darius Leonard of South Carolina St. and DT Derrick Nnadi of Florida St.Make sure and follow Greg on Twitter @gregcosell WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

0:44 - 12-year NFL veteran QB Dan Orlovsky joins Mike Giardi to break down the quarterbacks in the 2018 Draft. Orlovsky begins by dialing in on what stands out for prime candidates.4:24 - With it being reported that the Patriots have an “affinity” for Baker Mayfield, Orlovsky discusses how Mayfield’s skills will translate in the NFL and if he will be able to mentally handle the responsibility that comes with being an NFL quarterback.9:08 - Whether or not the Patriots use the 2018 draft to find Brady’s long-tern replacement, whomever they draft will try to pick Brady’s brain. Orlovsky talks about how a newly-drafted QB can learn from a veteran and also how he should try to be himself.14:24 - We’ve seen very few backups thrust into a starting role and have as much success as Nick Foles did this season. Orlovsky discusses how an older backup like Foles can help a team and how those types of players prepare themselves. 17:23 - Orlovsky analyzes Jerod Goff’s improvements from 2016 to 2017 and discusses how young s

2:40 - Why didn’t Malcolm Butler play a defensive snap? Mike Giardi recaps the whole saga around the cornerback being benched.7:25 - Giardi discusses why Butler still dressed for the game and wasn’t sent home. Koppen breaks down the rules Belichick has for his team and what happens when you break them.9:34 - Was Belichick being too stubborn and did he hurt the Patriots chances of winning another Super Bowl? Giardi and Koppen explain how there are two sides to the story. 12:04 - Dan Koppen gives us a player’s perspective of how the team feels when a teammate is bench for possible disciplinary reasons.14:00 - Patriots defense was not able to make the stops in the red zone and in crucial plays like they were in the regular season.16:34 - Patriots offense left some points on the field early but more than did their job, setting offensive Super Bowl records.18:14 - Giardi and Koppen talk about the Eagles 4th and 1 play call and the aggressiveness of Philadelphia throughout the game.20:00 - What to make of Rob Gronk

1:45 - Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen break down the Patriots comeback win over Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl LII.4:20 - Leonard Fournette not looking like himself but Blake Bortles making the right plays against the Patriots defense.7:40 - A couple of mistakes from the Jaguars, punting before 2 minute warning which gave the Patriots an extra timeout, and kneeling at the end of the 1st half with 2 timeouts and 50 seconds remaining.12:10 - Dion Lewis struggling to find room and make anyone miss against the Jaguars defense.13:20 - How serious Tom Brady's thumb injury was and if it had any affect on how he was able to throw the ball.16:05 - Brandin Cooks has his best game as a Patriot, and how he was able to draw two pass interference penalties against the Jaguars secondary.18:45 - If the hit by Barry Church on Rob Gronkowski was a dirty hit and if it is better to hit a receiver up high or down low.24:25 - Danny Amendola with several clutch catches, once again coming back big in the p

4:15 - Patriots going to 7th straight AFC title game. Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen discuss the ability for the Patriots to coach up their players and put them in a position to succeed.7:55 - Is Koppen finally buying into the Patriots defense and how Matt Patricia deserves more credit than he has been receiving.10:23 - Patriots offense started out a little bit slow against the Titans but then scored 35 unanswered points. Great job by Patriots offensive line giving Brady time and Brady's ability to move around in the pocket and create extra time.14:12 - AFC championship game preview vs. the Jaguars. How are the Jags in this position with Blake Bortles at quarterback? Jags have good running backs and will have same type of gameplan as the Titans. 16:40 - Leonard Fournette injured his ankle in Divisional Round game against the Steelers. How will that affect Jags playing style?17:58 - Breaking down how good the Jaguars defense is, ability to get to the quarterback while only rushing 4 players. How will the Patriots

Rob Ninkovich sits down with Mike Giardi to discuss the AFC playoff matchup, and why he believes in other teams being intimated of the Patriots come playoff time. (1:00)Rob Ninkovich on life after football, and what parts of the game he misses. (2:30) What should the Patriots main focus during their bye week. (3:30) Ninkovich on his first impressions of James Harrison with the Patriots. (9:00) Is this Patriots defense good enough to win a Super Bowl (11:00) Rob Ninkovich on how much other teams are intimidated by Bill Belichick in the playoffs. (13:30) Rob Ninkovich on whether Matt Patricia will make a good head coach, and tells stories of when he would butt heads with him during his career. (21:30) Did the Steelers formulate the perfect plan to beat the Patriots? WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

On the latest episode of The Ex-Pats Podcast with Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen...0:38 - The Patriots signed two-time All-Pro linebacker James Harrison to add defensive depth for their playoff push. What role will Harrison play at the end of his career in a new system?6:23 - An overwhelming number of teams in the NFL could be giving their head coaches the boot following the end the of the regular season. 12:53 - Not even the Patriots are immune to coaching staff turnover. Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia could end up as head coaches of new teams come next season. Which teams would be the most-appealing landing spots for them and what will the Patriots do to fill those voids?24:48 - The Patriots came away with a 37-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills in week 16, with yet another controversial touchdown reversal call. Did the NFL get the call right or do they need to make a change? WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTo

On the latest episode of The Ex-Pats Podcast with Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen...0:25 - Patriots-Steelers game living up to the hype with great atmosphere in Pittsburgh. Tom Brady waving on the fans pregame.2:20 - Breaking down the Steelers fake spike. Was there enough communication between Steelers players and why running a slant route was a bad call.5:40 - Ben Roethlisberger telling the media after the game that one coach said to spike it, and another said to throw it. How the game seemed to speed up for the Steelers and how much the Patriots defense was actually prepared. 11:05 - By the letter of the law, the refs made the correct call on Jesse James’ touchdown catch but should that be the right call. How Belichick always tells his players not to extend the ball at the goal line.16:25 - An underrated play by Malcolm Butler making a big tackle on Darrius Heyward-Bey on 2nd down to keep him in bounds and keep the clock moving.19:00 - Rob Gronkowski taking over in the 2nd half and specifically on the final driv

Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen discuss the Patriots bad energy level on the road at night and Tom Brady’s 7-9 record in Miami. Should we have seen signs of this loss coming? (4:30) Patriots didn’t come out and play with the sense of urgency that we normally see with multiple 3 and outs and going 0-11 on 3rd down conversions. (6:30) Dolphins defense played very well and were able to tackle effectively while the Patriots had trouble in that area. Patriots defense also made Jay Cutler look good throwing the ball around. (9:35) Was there a carry over from the previous game played against Miami for Tom Brady, knowing how much he would be getting hit? (14:40) Thoughts on the Patriots signing Kenny Britt after he was released by the Browns. (17:50) The Patriots lack of a running game, how you need to establish a running game with Gronk out, and the Patriots needing to change the tempo of the offense. (21:25) Dolphins having plenty of talent and the growing confidence of their secondary and Dion Lewis being taken out of

0:35 - Was the Rob Gronkowski suspension justified? Dan Koppen and Mike Giardi break down the Gronkowski late hit and 1-game suspension. With no past history, will Gronk’s suspension being reduced as he goes through the appeal process?5:20 - A discussion about Rob Gronkowski’s frustration after getting held and manhandled during the game as the refs seems to treat Gronk differently than other players.14:50 - The gameplan the Bills had against Rob Gronkowski, and what teams need to do to stop the tight end.17:55 - The Bills talking after the game about Gronkowski’s late hit saying that they will remember what Gronk did and if there will be any payback during the next matchup. 22:50 - How good is the Patriots defense and how confident should they be when they go against the Steelers on December 17th? WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

0:25 - Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen review the Patriots win over the Dolphins on Sunday, the undisciplined nature of Miami, and Kenny Stills comments after the game.3:35 - How Bill Belichick and the Patriots get players to remain disciplined, and if there was any moment of doubt that the Patriots would not win against the Dolphins.7:10 - Koppen explains why winning the game but playing sloppy will actually be good for the Patriots.12:25 - A discussion about Mike Tomlin’s interview, where he looked ahead and talked about the Patriots, 3 weeks before they play.15:05 - A breakdown of the Steelers team and if Tomlin talking and looking ahead to the Patriots will help or hurt them. WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

0:55 - Patriots playing great as they stream roll the Raiders but Koppen explains that Belichick will knock them down as he strives for perfection. Also talk about how it takes a couple months into the season for the coaches and players to learn each other again. 5:40 - Stephon Gilmore playing excellent lined up against Michael Crabtree. Malcolm Butler bounces back but gives up the only score to Amari Cooper. Koppen suggest Butler’s contract situation might be affecting his play. 7:50 - All in on the Patriots defense yet? Giardi and Koppen discuss the defensive play and the upcoming offenses the Patriots will be facing.10:30 - Dan Koppen talks about job security in the NFL and if he ever worried about somebody else taking his job, and the cutthroat nature of the Patriots. 13:50 - Tom Brady picking apart the Raiders and Jack Del Rio’s defenses throughout his career. 17:45 - A debate about Patriots backup quarterbacks and if Matt Cassel was actually a good NFL QB. 21:20 - A few game notes: Rex Burkhead’s fumble

On this week's episode of The Ex-Pats Podcast with Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen...2:30 - The Patriots defense stands tall vs. LA. Has it changed for good and is it time to starting buying in?6:40 - Taking a look at the mistakes the Chargers made against the Patriots on Sunday, whether it was bad calling and stupid penalties.10:00 - Tom Brady showing great presence in the pocket as the offensive line limits the Chargers.12:55 - What is making the offense struggle in the red zone and how disappointed is Brady about not getting in the end zone?17:40 - With the Patriots on a bye this week, Dan Koppen talks about what players do with their time off. WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

On this episode of The Ex-Pats Podcast...0:10 - Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen give their takeaways from the Patriots win over the Falcons including the defense coming up strong against Atlanta but New England still taking too many penalties.2:00 - Why it felt like this game meant more to the Patriots, their sense of excitement after the win, and building chemistry off a good victory.6:20 - Falcons losing their identity without Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator and their bad play calling and decisions on 4th downs.10:00 - A discussion about Matt Ryan not making the throws he needed against the Patriots and if he has falling off the MVP caliber-type player he was last season.14:00 - How and why the Patriots secondary seems to be playing better without Stephon Gilmore and why Malcolm Butler has been able to turn up his play as of late. WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

The Patriots improve their record to 4-2 with a win over the Jets, but there are still a lot of concerning factors for New England. Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen talk about something the team isn't used to - close games.Giardi also dives into whether there is a major problem with the locker room dynamic, and whether all the moves they made in the offseason were blown way out of proportion by the media and fans of the talent added, but didn't factor in the personalities they lost. Koppen and Giardi also look at how the offensive line play has fallen off, despite the same personnel as last year. Finally, discussing the late scratch of Stephon Gilmore due to a concussion. Anything to read into the timing? WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

1:00 Takeaways from the Patriots win over the Buccaneers4:00 How long can Tom Brady keep taking hits without impacting his play?6:00 Breaking down the offensive line play, what areas can they improve?13:00 Should Patriots be playing Dion Lewis more going forward?16:00 Dan Koppen talks about how offensive strategy can change on teams, and whether there will be a shift in Patriots strategy. 22:30 Jets-Patriots preview, any chance or an upset?30:00 Will Alan Branch be motivated after not making the trip to Tampa? WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

Mike Giardi and former Patriots center Dan Koppen breakdown the Patriots last second loss to the Carolina Panthers 33-30, as the defense once again was a major concern. (8:00) Who is responsible for all the breakdowns on the defense? (15:00) What changes could the defense make to shake things up going forward? (19:00) How has the Patriots defense changed so much in one season? (29:00) What offensive changes should the Patriots be making? WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok

Former Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown joins Mike Giardi and Dan Koppen in this week’s episode of “The Ex-Pats Podcast” to discuss the protests from the Patriots and around the league of Donald Trump’s comments on Friday night. Troy spoke critically of the President on CSN’s Postgame Live show on Sunday, and the two former players react to what former teammate Matt Light said Monday morning on Toucher & Rich.Also, the guys actually talk about the thrilling win for the Patriots against Houston, including whether Brandin Cooks has found his way into Tom Brady’s “trust tree” (24:40), Rob Gronkowski playing a monster role in the passing AND blocking game against Houston (29:00), and how concerning the defense has looked in the first three weeks of the season (32:30). WATCH every episode of The Next Pats podcast on YouTubeFollow NBC Sports Boston:NBCSportsBoston.comX @NBCSpatriotsFacebookInstagramTikTok