Patriots Win Super Bowl LIII
For the sixth time in team history, the Patriots have won it all. On Sunday night, in one of the slower Super Bowl games in memory, the Patriots topped the Rams 13-3.
The first half was clumsy, awkward, and slow – unlike Super Bowls of recent years. What some expected to be a shootout turned into a punting exhibition with Johnny Hekker actually being edged by Patriots youngster Ryan Allen.
The Pats went into halftime with a 3-0 lead, despite a constant connection between Tom Brady and Julian Edelman in the first two quarters. The Rams, meanwhile, had little to offer on offense. Sean McVay tried to deny it, but it’s now clear clear that Todd Gurley‘s knee injury was of the severe variety, and it was enough to limit him to just ten carries for 35 yards.
The second half played out similarly, though both teams got into a better rhythm. For the Pats, the second half was dotted by big catches from Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. The Rams, too, had their moments thanks as Jared Goff found Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Josh Reynolds. Ultimately, however, the Rams’ chances were spoiled by a bad Goff throw that landed in the hands of superstar corner Stephon Gilmore. Meanwhile, Sony Michel‘s touchdown proved to be the only one of the night and the defining score of the game.
Now, it’s time to see whether Rob Gronkowski and other Patriots will opt to leave the game on a high note.
McCourty Brothers Considering Retirement?
Devin McCourty isn’t the only member of the family considering retirement. Devin’s brother, Jason McCourty, is also considering retirement, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com hears. 
Devin was the first McCourty family member to go public with his desire to retire, but Jason is actually more likely to call it quits, Rapoport reports. Jason is set to hit free agency and he may walk away if he’s put in a spot where he has to change teams. Devin, meanwhile, is set to earn a $9MM base salary, and he could lean towards walking away if he is asked to take a pay cut.
“I don’t know for sure, man, but I do look at (retirement),” McCourty said recently. “If we can win this game, win it with my brother [Jason McCourty], I don’t know what else I could do that’ll top that. So I’m just trying to make sure I enjoy this season and enjoy these last couple days with these guys.”
Of course, the outcome of tonight’s game could also impact their decision. A Super Bowl win may prompt both brothers to ride off into the sunset.
No Rob Gronkowski Retirement Decision Expected Tonight
Tonight’s Super Bowl may be the last NFL game for Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, but do not expect him to confirm his intentions one way or another right away. Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Gronk does not plan to make an announcement in the immediate aftermath of the Super Bowl, and Florio’s source suggests that the 29-year-old will spend some time considering his options.
We have recently heard that Gronkowski may be leaning towards retirement, and part of that is due to his rather significant injury history. Indeed, Florio writes that there are two primary factors that will influence Gronk’s decision: whether Gronkowski emerges from Super Bowl LIII healthy, and whether Tom Brady makes good on his vow to return for 2019.
The latter seems to be a given in light of everything we have heard about Brady’s intentions going forward, but Gronk’s health is a bigger question. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com writes that Gronkowski’s relative lack of production this season can be at least partially attributed to the Achilles tendonitis and the bulging disc in his back that he battled in 2018, but that he is feeling 100 percent today.
Gronkowski is due a $9MM base salary next season, the last year of his current deal, and it’s not as though the post-football career he anticipates won’t be there for him in 2020 if he chooses to play in 2019. Contrary to previous reports, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com says that, while Gronkowski is not sure what he wants to do when he’s done playing football, he believes it will somehow be tied to the world of fitness.
Latest On Brian Flores, Dolphins
Once the Super Bowl ends, the Dolphins are planning on announcing Brian Flores as their new head coach. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the Patriots linebackers coach will fly to Miami on Monday morning (on owner Stephen Ross‘s private jet, no less), and the two sides will then presumably finalize a contract and announce the hiring (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter).
As Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com points out, this is especially notable following last year’s fiasco between Josh McDaniels and the Colts. Following the Patriots’ Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, McDaniels visited New England’s team facility, and it was subsequently reported that the offensive coordinator would instead by sticking in New England.
Naturally, the Dolphins don’t want to find themselves in a similar scenario, and Florio suggests that Miami would be wise to assure that Flores doesn’t even get on the Patriots plane back to Massachusetts. Of course, nothing has suggested that Flores will renege on his presumed deal, but you also can’t blame the Dolphins organization for being a bit wary.
Flores has seen some success in New England, and he most recently served as the team’s de facto defensive coordinator (although he didn’t hold that official title). The Patriots ranked 21st in yards allowed but seventh in scoring this past season, and they’ve only had one non-top-10 scoring defense in the past 13 seasons (Flores has been with the organization for eight of those campaigns). As our own Zach Links pointed out, the Dolphins are hoping Flores will restore order on the defensive side of the ball after having moved on from the offensively-minded Adam Gase.
Exploring The Impending FAs Playing In Super Bowl LIII
While Rams and Patriots players are presumably focused on the Super Bowl, there are a number of impending free agents who could boost their stock with a solid performance tomorrow.
Below, we’ve explored the impending free agents who will be on either the Rams’ or Patriots’ rosters for the championship game (with some help from Spotrac.com). The following list does not include players on the injured reserve (a grouping that includes players like Los Angeles running back Malcolm Brown), nor does it include players on the reserve/suspended list (a grouping that includes New England wideout Josh Gordon).
Los Angeles Rams
- RB C.J. Anderson
- DE Dante Fowler Jr.
- LB Bryce Hager
- CB Troy Hill
- WR Khadarel Hodge (ERFA)
- S Lamarcus Joyner
- LB Cory Littleton (RFA)
- LB Matt Longacre
- QB Sean Mannion
- WR Jojo Natson (ERFA)
- OG Rodger Saffold
- CB Sam Shields
- DT Ndamukong Suh
- DE Ethan Westbrooks
- LB Ramik Wilson
Former NFL agent (and current CBS Sports analyst) Joel Corry recently explored which big-name players could boost their free agent stock with a standout performance tomorrow. Among Rams 
players, Suh is a name that naturally bounces off the list. Following his release from Miami, the 32-year-old inked a one-year, $14MM deal with the Rams, and he proceeded to compile 59 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 16 games. He’s improved his play in the postseason, tallying four QB hits in two games. Suh’s big-play ability will make him a name to watch during the Super Bowl, and a standout performance could lead to him receiving some lucrative offers this offseason.
A former first-rounder, Fowler was unceremoniously dealt to the Rams back in October. The 24-year-old has shown flashes during his brief tenure with Los Angeles, and he leads Rams players in postseason sacks (1.5). Teams will surely take a flyer on Fowler this offseason, and a big performance will only help to boost his stock. The same sentiment goes for Anderson; the veteran has emerged as a key piece for the Rams since he joined the team in December. We can only assume that the team will rely on Todd Gurley during the biggest game of the season, but Anderson has shown that he can still be productive.
Meanwhile, Saffold should be considered one of (if not the) premier offensive guard on the market, and even a lackluster Super Bowl showing shouldn’t hurt his free agency stock.
New England Patriots
- P Ryan Allen
- DT Malcom Brown
- OT Trent Brown
- WR Phillip Dorsett
- DE Trey Flowers
- K Stephen Gostkowski
- WR Chris Hogan
- LB Ramon Humber
- CB Jonathan Jones (RFA)
- CB Jason McCourty
- LB Albert McClellan
- WR Cordarrelle Patterson
- DT Danny Shelton
- DE John Simon
- OT LaAdrian Waddle
Trey Flowers is the most intriguing name on this list, as the 25-year-old could end up being one of the top pass-rushers on the market. As Corry points out, players like Frank Clark (Seahawks), Jadeveon Clowney (Texans), Dee Ford (Chiefs) and Demarcus Lawrence (Cowboys) could easily be franchised, meaning Flowers could be in line for a big 
payday (although Corry cautions that the Patriots could also choose to franchise the former fourth-rounder). Flowers had another solid season in 2018, compiling 57 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. While he isn’t as big of a name as some of the Rams’ impending free agents, Flowers has a chance to become a household name by the end of tomorrow’s game.
Trent Brown is another intriguing name on the list. However, barring some catastrophic performance, it’s unlikely the Super Bowl will impact his impending free agent stock. The Patriots acquired the six-foot-eight lineman from the 49ers during the draft, and he proceeded to start all 16 games as Tom Brady‘s blindside protector. With 2018 first-rounder Isaiah Wynn expected to return from a torn Achilles next season, there’s no guarantee that Brown will be back in New England.
It’s interesting that both the Patriots kicker and punter will hit free agency this offseason. The team certainly isn’t afraid to let their long-time special teamers go (see: Adam Vinatieri), but you can assume that both Gostkowski and Allen will be back in New England in 2019. Hogan and Patterson are another two names to watch during the Super Bowl, as the two wideouts have a chance to be big contributors if they draw Brady’s eye.
Robert Kraft Eyeing Tom Brady Extension
Tom Brady continues to insist he wants to play into his mid-40s, and the quarterback with the most Super Bowl starts is about to enter a contract year.
Robert Kraft sees the Patriots retaining the all-time great past 2019 and does not have an issue with extending the 41-year-old passer’s contract beyond next season, per Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
“I would be quite surprised if he didn’t continue for quite awhile as our quarterback,” Kraft said.
Negotiations may begin soon. Brady has never played into a contract year and is set to carry a $27MM cap figure on the Patriots’ 2019 balance sheet. He said recently there is a “zero” percent chance he retires after Super Bowl LIII.
After staying away from the Patriots for most of the offseason, Brady returned for a 19th season and again is set for a Super Bowl start. With the Patriots no longer having an heir apparent on the roster, another Brady re-up makes sense. He and Bill Belichick are in their ninth Super Bowl together, and Kraft is certainly OK with this ultra-successful tandem continuing their voyage into uncharted waters.
“Having two outstanding people like Bill Belichick and Tom Brady for almost two decades, pretty proud of that,” Kraft said, via Volin. “I think we’re very lucky.”
The Patriots have managed to employ Brady on some below-market deals over the past several years. They did add some incentives to his 2018 deal. While he missed out on the statistical portion of this $5MM package due to a slight drop in his numbers from his 2017 MVP season, Brady can earn $2MM by leading the Pats to their sixth championship on Sunday.
Patriots Rumors: Gordon, McDaniels, Gronk
Here’s a look at the Patriots as they get set for the Super Bowl:
- The Patriots are gearing up for the Super Bowl in Atlanta, but Josh Gordon is miles away at an inpatient facility in Florida, a source tells Doug Kyed of NESN.com. The Patriots are paying for Gordon’s treatment, which may be a sign that a return is possible. For what it’s worth, the receiver will get a ring if the Pats are victorious on Sunday.
- Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels says he regrets his handling of the Colts situation last year, as Charean Williams of PFT writes. “It’s a lot that goes into it,” McDaniels said. “I think at the end of the day you have to make the best decision for yourself and your family. I’ve said this a number of times: The timing of all that stuff was not. . . . I wasn’t proud of any of that stuff.” McDaniels likely paid the price for his flip-flop in this past cycle. There were eight head coaching vacancies, but McDaniels only landed an interview with the Packers and declined to speak with the Bengals.
- The Rob Gronkowski retirement chatter is picking up steam again, but the tight end pretty much offered a no-answer when asked if the Super Bowl will be his last game. “I don’t know,” Gronkowski said when asked about his plans (via PFT).
Patriots’ Devin McCourty Considering Retirement
If the Patriots win on Sunday, it could mark the final game of Devin McCourty‘s career. This week, the safety told NFL Network’s Deion Sanders that he’s thinking about walking off into the sunset if he’s able to capture another Super Bowl ring. 
“I don’t know for sure, man, but I do look at (retirement),” McCourty said (via NFL.com). “If we can win this game, win it with my brother [Jason McCourty], I don’t know what else I could do that’ll top that. So I’m just trying to make sure I enjoy this season and enjoy these last couple days with these guys.”
McCourty, 31, has two Super Bowl rings and is looking to add a third this weekend. After nine seasons in the NFL, no one could fault him for leaving on a high note.
On the other hand, McCourty is still playing at a high level. In 2018, the veteran finished out with 82 tackles and one interception – an 84-yard pick six against the Bills in Week 8. All in all, he finished out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 16 ranked safety in the NFL, putting him ahead of guys like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Tyrann Mathieu, and Bradley McDougald.
Dante Scarnecchia Plans To Coach In 2019
Brian Flores‘ Dolphins staff continues to fill out. The Miami-bound Patriots assistant plans to hire Jaguars defensive line coach Marion Hobby and Giants outside linebackers coach Rob Leonard, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Hobby’s past two NFL seasons in Jacksonville came after a decade at the college level, with the 52-year-old assistant’s previous coaching work coming at the college level. He was Clemson’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach for six seasons, coaching Vic Beasley, Shaq Lawson and Andre Branch in that time. Hobby was also the Saints’ defensive ends coach during Sean Payton‘s first two seasons. Leonard spent the past six seasons with the Giants, working with three head coaches. This was his lone coaching post at the NFL or college level. He worked with new Miami DC Patrick Graham for two of those years.
- Dante Scarnecchia retired from the NFL after the 2013 season, but when the Patriots‘ 2015 campaign ended with the Broncos hitting Tom Brady more than 20 times, New England lured its longtime offensive line coach back to the sideline. Scarnecchia has now been back for three seasons and intends to make that at least four, with ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss noting he plans to coach in 2019. Aided by the 70-year-old assistant’s guidance, the Patriots’ offensive front nullified the Chiefs’ formidable pass rush for most of the AFC championship game.
Tom Brady Rules Out Retirement
Tom Brady isn’t going anywhere. The longtime Patriots quarterback will be back in New England no matter what next season, he told Jeff Darlington of ESPN in a recent sit-down (Twitter link).
There had been some speculation, as there has been for a couple of years now, that Brady could choose to ride off into the sunset a la Peyton Manning, but that won’t be happening this year. Brady said there was “zero” chance that the upcoming game against the Rams would be his last game ever. Assuming he doesn’t change his mind, 2019 will be Brady’s 20th season in the league.
He’s 41 now, but the drop-off in play that many have been waiting for has never materialized. Brady had another great season this year, throwing for 4,355 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 65.8 percent of his masses and making his tenth consecutive Pro Bowl. There were rumors last year about a thawing in the relationship between Brady and Bill Belichick but true or not, they’ve been able to make things work.
With only Brian Hoyer behind him on the roster, the Patriots have no clear successor in-house for Brady, and it’s possible they could look to draft one in the near future. On the other hand, Brady has said in the past that he wants to play until he’s 45, so they might not have to worry about a replacement any time soon.