Rational Rationalizations

Let’s face it, when we’re tracking the 90th spot on the roster, we really have to ask ourselves if we’ve got our lives’ priorities in order.

My answer: What? Are you kidding? Of course I do!

And welcome back to the Hawaiian Hammer, Joey Iosefa!

Pigskin pundits and bobbleheads as well as basement bloggers continue to gnaw on the ankle of Bill Belichick’s decision to pass on drafting a running back while ignoring all of the attention he’s given to the offensive line, which will probably have a lot more to do with restoring balance to the Patriots’ offense than a 4th round running back would.

Obviously, there should be concern with Dion Lewis’ return to health as he’s spent more of his NFL career on injured reserve than he has on game day rosters. Counting on James White or Donald Brown (there doesn’t appear to be enough roster spots for both of them) amounts to wishful thinking, I suppose. We’ve discussed my embarrassing man-crush on Tyler Gaffney to the point where embarrassing hardly comes close to describing it. Delusional is probably closer to the mark.

No love for LeGarrette Blount? I get it. Despite his impressive size, he hasn’t been able to manufacture a yard on his own. Still, his 4.3 YPA mark tied for 20th best in 2015. Okay, Blount is coming off an injury but is he really a bigger risk than Arian Foster? Does Bill Belichick think protege Bill O’Brien got it wrong in releasing Foster? Why is this even a big deal when New England’s idea of a workhorse running back is 12 carries a game?

Is that one big fat rationalization? Have I just gotten used to the post-Corey Dillon Patriots?

Maybe.

Probably.

I’d like to see more run/pass balance in the Pats offense but I’m a big believer in putting the ball in the hands of your best player as many times as possible and that’s still Tom Brady.

Yes, that’s another big fat rationalization, too.

The off-season is all about worrying. And rationalizing.

No running back in the draft?

It doesn’t matter how you score the points, it only matters that you score.

Gronk and the Madden cover curse?

The GQ cover makes that a wash, right?

Julian Edelman’s foot and the return of the screw?

Maybe he got used to having the screw in his foot; it just didn’t feel right without it. He doesn’t need the screw, he wants the screw.

Can Malcolm Mitchell learn the playbook and end the long string of busts drafted at wide receiver?

Of course! He played in a pro set in college. He’ll catch the game-winning TD in the Super Bowl!

(Hey, always go big with your rationalizations.)

Will Tom Brady have to serve the 4-game Deflategate suspension?

Where is the DNA evidence? Free Tom Brady! Free Tom Brady!

And if so, is Jimmy Garoppolo ready for his closeup?

Big smile, kid. You know you got this.

It’s exhausting, really. And we have three more months of this?