During Saturday’s Divisional playoff game against the Colts, the Patriots could start the following white players...
QB – Tom Brady
FB – James Develin
WR – Julian Edelman
WR – Danny Amendola (Austin Collie could play in 3-4 WR sets)
TE – Matthew Mulligan
LT – Nate Solder
LG – Logan Mankins
C – Ryan Wendell
RG – Dan Connolly
DE – Rob Ninkovich
DT – Joe Vellano
DT - Chris Jones (1/8[SUP]th[/SUP] black ancestry, but passes the “eye test”)
MLB – Dane Fletcher (Chris White could be a prominent reserve at MLB or WLB)
SS – Steve Gregory
CAPTION: Edelman, Amendola, Collie in 4 WR Set
That’s 14/22 white starters. Most likely, however, the TE Matthew Mulligan will play a reserve role to the rotund, lead-footed Polynesian, Michael Hoomanawanui. The FB, Develin, might not technically “start,” either, depending upon the personnel package. Vellano and Jones have started in various games, and barely play during others. Therefore, 12/22 white starters is more realistic. How many white starters would the Patriots feature if RT Sebastian Vollmer and all-world TE, Rob Gronkowksi, hadn’t been placed on IR? Perhaps as high as 15 or 16? Along with the sheer quantity of white starters/reserves, it should be noted that the 2013 installment of the New England Patriots features at least one white athlete at every single position with the exception of CB and RB (although Develin has received carries). Aside from “traditionally white” positions such as QB, FB, TE, OL, K, and P, it’s interesting to note that this roster has 3 white WRs, 2 white safeties, 2 white LB’s, 2 white DE’s, and 2 white DT’s. A fascinating feat for the modern NFL.
I’ve watched every single snap of the 2013-2014 Patriots and they surely aren’t the “great” or “dominant” team of years past. Their offense is capable of dazzling highs (against Pittsburgh and Atlanta), pathetic no-shows (against Cincinnati, Carolina, and Miami), and surreal comebacks (against Denver, New Orleans, Houston and Cleveland). Brady has been solid, but his “superstar” status is clearly waning. Perhaps the loss of the permanently-open team MVP, Wes Welker, is the cause of his momentary lapses in greatness? After his “breakout” 1,000-yard season, Julian Edelman proved himself to be a top 20 NFL flanker. With three 100-yard games scattered between injuries and mediocre performances, Amedola has been somewhat average, but serviceable in the slot. Thompkins and Dobson have played like rookies (up-and-down), but have made some critical plays. Stevan Ridley and the vile LeGarrette Blount are talented runners, and Shane Vereen is a quality scat back. Their special teams units are some of the best in the NFL...
CAPTION: Edelman 68-Yard Punt Return TD vs. Colts in 2012
Their 26[SUP]th[/SUP]-ranked, “bend don’t break” defense isn’t quite as putrid as in years past. They still generate little pass rush (outside of Chandler Jones and Ninkovich), have LB’s with horrific coverage skills (Hightower and Spikes), and have generally poor play from their CB’s. Let’s hope that Dane Fletcher, finally the starter at LB, has a great performance in the playoffs, as Spikes is a free agent and might sign elsewhere…
CAPTION: Fletcher Causes Critical Fumble Against Denver
In the darkest nightmares of those who institute the Caste System in American athletics, a team such as this one wins the Superbowl as a nation of stunned, racially-insensate white drunkards, dejected and slouched down in their hard-worn couches, clutching a corporate beer and the remote control, mouths agape, beginning to feel like they’ve been lied to with concern to white athletes…
CAPTION: The AntiCaste is Rising
Of course, even if the Patriots defeat the adrenaline-fueled Colts, they’ll still need to travel to Denver or slip past a red-hot Chargers club in Foxboro (as they did to reach the Superbowl in 2007-2008). Still, even if they reach the Superbowl, they’ll either need to contend with a powerful offense (Saints), or one of the NFL’s top defenses (Panthers, 49ers, Seahawks) in the frozen Meadowlands. All of this is far from an impossible quest, I suppose, given that luck has been on their side this season.